Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has brought attention to the growing dangers of cyberbullying and online exploitation, following a distressing incident involving his 13-year-old daughter, Nitara. Speaking at the launch of Cyber Awareness Month 2025 in Mumbai, Kumar called for mandatory cyber safety education in schools to better protect children in digital spaces.
The incident reportedly took place while Nitara was playing an online video game. She received inappropriate messages from an unknown individual who solicited nude photographs. Kumar revealed that his daughter immediately shut down the device and informed her mother, Twinkle Khanna. Praising her prompt action, Kumar stressed the importance of educating children about safe online behaviour.
“Cybercrime today is more prevalent than street crime. Children are spending more time online than ever before, and they face risks we cannot ignore,” Kumar said during his address. He emphasised that cyber safety must be integrated into school curriculums to give young people the tools to identify and deal with online threats.
As part of his proposal, Kumar urged the Maharashtra government to introduce a weekly “Cyber Period” for students in grades 7 to 10. This initiative, he said, would teach students about the dangers of online grooming, cyberbullying, data privacy, and digital ethics. Kumar argued that early education would help children develop resilience against such threats and foster a safer internet environment for the next generation.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior police officials, who echoed Kumar’s call for greater cyber safety awareness. Fadnavis expressed support for the idea and stated that the government is considering integrating cyber safety modules in the state’s education system.
Cyber safety experts have long warned about the rising risks associated with online gaming platforms, where anonymity can allow predators to target minors. According to a recent report by the Cybercrime Prevention Unit of India, incidents of online harassment involving minors have increased by 27% in the past two years. Experts point out that awareness campaigns and education are crucial to curbing these threats.
Kumar’s public statement has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with parents, educators, and digital safety advocates urging swift action. Many have applauded Kumar for using his public influence to highlight the issue, with hashtags like #CyberSafetyEducation trending on X (formerly Twitter) in India.
The actor concluded his address with a powerful message: “We must ensure children enjoy the benefits of technology without falling prey to its dangers. Cyber safety is not just a topic for discussion — it must be a part of our everyday education.”
This incident serves as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers to prioritise cyber safety and develop robust systems to protect children online.
