The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has conducted an interactive cyber awareness session at Westminster Academy to educate students about online safety, emerging digital threats and responsible internet use. The session was led by NCCIA Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mahboob Elahi on Wednesday, November 11, and focused on helping young people understand the risks associated with their everyday online activities. The programme addressed several important areas, including online gaming risks, cyber harassment, blackmailing and social media safety. According to the agency, the session was designed to provide students with practical guidance on recognising suspicious online behaviour and protecting themselves from potential digital threats. As children and young people increasingly use internet-based platforms for communication, entertainment and learning, understanding online risks has become an important part of digital awareness. The initiative aimed to encourage students to use technology responsibly while developing the knowledge needed to protect their personal information and online accounts. Through the interactive discussion, NCCIA highlighted the importance of digital protection and explained how awareness of common cybercrime methods can help young internet users make safer decisions.
During the session, Mahboob Elahi discussed the positive and constructive use of social media, explaining precautions students should take while using online platforms. He also provided guidance on securing personal social media accounts against unauthorised access and protecting information shared through digital services. The discussion covered practical steps for maintaining account security and recognising activities that could indicate an attempt to access personal profiles without permission. Online gaming safety received particular attention, with students advised to remain cautious when interacting with unknown individuals through gaming platforms. Elahi highlighted the risks of sharing personal information with strangers and explained how online interactions can sometimes lead to harassment, manipulation or other forms of exploitation. He also discussed cybercrime, online harassment and blackmailing, helping students understand how such situations may develop and why suspicious communications should not be ignored. The session emphasised that users should be careful about the information they disclose online, including personal details that could potentially be misused. By addressing social media, gaming and online communication together, the awareness programme aimed to help students understand that digital safety requires responsible behaviour across different platforms rather than relying on security settings alone.
The NCCIA representative also explained how students could approach the agency and lodge complaints if they became victims of cybercrime or encountered suspicious online activities. This guidance was intended to familiarise young people with the available reporting process and encourage them to seek assistance when facing online threats. Students were made aware of the importance of reporting incidents involving harassment, blackmailing or other suspicious digital behaviour instead of dealing with such situations without support. Understanding where and how to report suspected cybercrime can help victims access the appropriate channels for assistance and allow relevant authorities to assess reported incidents. The discussion also reinforced the importance of recognising warning signs, protecting personal information and avoiding risky interactions with unknown users. For younger internet users, these practices can be particularly important because online platforms may expose them to individuals whose identities and intentions are not always clear. The session sought to equip students with practical knowledge that could help them respond more carefully to potentially harmful online situations. It also highlighted the role of educational institutions in supporting digital awareness by encouraging conversations about internet safety and responsible technology use.
The awareness programme concluded with Westminster Academy and Pakistan Youth Parliament presenting honorary shields to NCCIA representatives in recognition of their efforts to promote cyber safety awareness among students. The recognition followed the interactive session led by Mahboob Elahi, which focused on practical measures for protecting young people from online risks and encouraging responsible digital behaviour. The initiative highlighted the importance of cooperation between educational institutions and relevant authorities in improving cybersecurity awareness among younger generations. As students continue to engage with social media, online gaming and other internet-based services, knowledge of privacy protection, account security and cybercrime reporting can help them navigate digital platforms more safely. Awareness sessions can also provide an opportunity for students to discuss concerns and understand the steps available when they encounter suspicious activity or online harassment. NCCIA’s engagement at Westminster Academy reflects its efforts to promote public understanding of cyber threats and encourage safer internet practices through educational outreach. By addressing online gaming risks, cyber harassment, blackmailing and social media security, the programme aimed to strengthen students’ ability to recognise potential threats and use digital technology with greater confidence and responsibility.
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