Norway-based Web browser maker Opera Software has teamed up with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), a body of online businesses, to promote safe Web surfing among school children in five cities in India.
Opera Software said that the "Safe Surfing Campaign" would educate children on how to stay safe online, and touch about 25,000 students in Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Mysore and Hyderabad.
The interactive campaign is slated to start from 2 August, said the company.
Opera is headquartered in Norway, with over 700 employees in offices around the world.
Opera says on its website, "We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the Internet. We believe in the power of a single idea. Participation changes everything."
The company said that children and young adults/teenagers must understand that the potential risks to their privacy and safety are real. It believes that neither banning access entirely nor keeping a strict watch is the correct way to solve this issue.
Opera Software Web Evangelist Shwetank Dixit said though the Internet is an extremely important tool and resource catering to all groups of people, regardless of age or location, it is not without its risks and dangers.
"Internet security is a top priority in Opera Software and education is the key to Internet safety. We have an obligation to educate children, teenagers, parents and teachers, so they, too, can get the most out of their web experience," Dixit added.
IAMAI consultant and advisor Cyber Complaint Redressal Cell, Uttar Pradesh Police, Rakshit Tandon said, "We always advise children not to talk to strangers and remain vigilant while crossing road; similar rules need to be applied to the Internet as well."
"With young kids becoming tech savvy, it has become extremely critical to educate them on the pros and cons of Internet surfing at an early stage."
