Blue Whale challenge? CBSE issues strict guidelines to schools

Schools have also been asked to draft a policy on the safe use of electronic devices and implement it.

All schools have been issued with a circular to install effective firewalls, filtering and monitoring software mechanisms in all computers. The circular issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also says ,"The potential of information technology as a valuable learning resource is immense. However, if children use the internet without safety awareness, they may fall prey to illegal activity or abuse such as cyber bullying, fraud or something even more serious.

Hence, awareness of internet safety norms is absolutely indispensable to make children free to explore knowledge without feeling intimidated. Increasing proliferation and sophistication of various electronic devices makes it all the more obligatory for schools to control and monitor their use by students."

The decision was taken days after the government issued direction to internet majors to remove links of the deadly Blue Whale Challenge - an online game in which the final task requires the player to kill self.

The circular 'Guidelines for Safe and Effective Use of Internet and Digital Technologies in Schools and School Buses' has been issued to all the 18,000 affiliated schools across the country.

Schools have also been asked to draft a policy on the safe use of electronic devices and implement it.

The circular states that schools need to promote a safe and secure educational environment for effective teaching and learning and to discourage students from actions detrimental to themselves, their peers and the value system.

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