Punjab is gradually building a new model of safety education inside its schools where students are taught how to handle digital risks before they become adults. They are being prepared not only to avoid online dangers but also to make thoughtful decisions whenever they use digital devices or platforms. The purpose of this effort is to ensure that awareness reaches children before cybercrime reaches them.
Through the Saanjh initiative, Punjab Police has taken on a community mentor role by maintaining regular communication with schools and conducting interactive sessions. Instead of appearing only in the capacity of law enforcement, officers participate as guides who explain online threats clearly and in a relatable manner. Students are encouraged to share doubts, ask questions, and feel comfortable approaching the police for help.
A central element of this mission is the Cyber Jaago training programme, which started by preparing seventy five teachers who will eventually help extend this knowledge across thousands of schools in the state. The long term plan is to cover nearly four thousand government high schools. Authorities recognised that most teenagers use smartphones and social media frequently but often without understanding how cyberbullying, identity theft or digital grooming can happen.
The training of teachers ensures that cyber awareness becomes part of school education instead of a one time campaign. Once educators understand how to explain topics related to artificial intelligence misuse, online behaviour, privacy and exploitation, they can pass this knowledge on to new batches of students year after year.
To strengthen the initiative, Punjab has created a widespread network of Saanjh centres which include district level facilities, subdivision centres and outreach offices linked to police stations. These centres allow citizens to receive help, seek clarification, file concerns and access services in a friendly environment that promotes trust and cooperation.
This work in schools is supported by the PP Saanjh mobile application, enabling residents to apply for verifications, get access to FIR related information and complete certain procedures from any location. The digital platform ensures that learning in classrooms is backed by practical tools outside of it.
Cybercrime experts leading this programme observed that the pandemic pushed children into digital spaces without proper supervision, and many families were unaware of online risks. The initiative now ensures that students are taught why digital safety matters and how to respond if they encounter suspicious or harmful situations.
Alongside this, the Shakti Helpdesk initiative conducts awareness activities in schools on subjects like personal safety, identifying inappropriate physical contact, preventing child abuse, understanding substance abuse dangers and remembering emergency helpline numbers. This prepares students in an emotional, social and psychological manner.
The philosophy behind Saanjh focuses on partnership rather than fear. When students see police officers in their classrooms interacting like friendly mentors, it changes their perception and makes the police appear approachable and supportive.
Punjab’s leadership maintains that true protection begins with informed individuals and not solely with strict laws. A child who understands online fraud prevention can pass on that knowledge to parents, grandparents or neighbours and protect entire families by extension.
This programme has evolved into a state level movement where information becomes the first shield of protection. The long term vision is to raise a generation of students in Punjab who step confidently into a rapidly changing digital world with awareness, clarity and support from a police force that wants to stand beside them.
