President Droupadi Murmu urges schools to teach digital and financial literacy to counter cyber risks

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday underlined the need to make digital and financial education a core part of school curricula, warning that young students are increasingly vulnerable to cyber fraud and online exploitation in a rapidly digitising society.

Addressing a gathering of educators and students, the President said children today are exposed to digital platforms at an early age, often without adequate guidance on safe online behaviour or financial decision-making. She stressed that schools must move beyond conventional learning and equip students with practical skills to navigate digital payments, online transactions, and data privacy responsibly.

Murmu pointed out that cybercrime and financial scams are growing alongside digital adoption, making awareness and early education essential. Teaching students how to identify online risks, protect personal information, and understand basic financial concepts would help build resilience against misuse of technology, she said.

The President also called for teachers and parents to play an active role in shaping responsible digital habits. She noted that a collaborative approach involving schools, families, and institutions is necessary to ensure that technology empowers students rather than exposing them to harm.

Reiterating the role of education in nation-building, Murmu said integrating digital and financial literacy at the school level would prepare young citizens to participate confidently and safely in India’s digital economy, while fostering informed, ethical, and secure use of technology.