In today’s hyper-connected world, the internet serves as a space of learning, creativity, and connection. Yet it also poses significant risks, especially for young girls navigating social media, gaming platforms, and online communication. Recognizing this growing concern, the International Foundation for Digital Child (IFDC) continues to strengthen its commitment to child digital safety through its initiatives.

The latest project under this initiative was led by Nasriya Naffin, an Online Child Protection Advocate of IFDC, who conducted an awareness session titled “Stay Safe Online” at Ilma International Girls’ School, Colombo, on 3 November 2025. The interactive session brought together over 400 adolescent girls aged 12 to 16, creating a platform to learn, reflect, and act on the principles of safe and responsible digital engagement.

What the Project Focused On

The Stay Safe Online project was designed to address the rising digital vulnerabilities faced by adolescents, ranging from cyberbullying and grooming to phishing, hacking, and catfishing. The session combined education, dialogue, and experiential learning to equip students with both awareness and actionable strategies for online safety.

The objectives were:

• To educate students about online risks and unsafe digital behaviors.
• To teach practical strategies for self-protection, including privacy management, identifying red flags, and reporting abuse.
• To foster responsible digital citizenship.
• To build the confidence to speak up and seek help when faced with online threats.

Activities included an interactive presentation, real-life case studies, and an engaging quiz which encouraged participants to evaluate online situations and make decisions in real time. The session also shared hands-on guidance on setting strong passwords, recognizing scams, hoax emails and understanding the importance of maintaining digital boundaries.

What Was Learned and Enjoyed

For Nasriya Naffin, the session was both an opportunity to teach and to learn. Working directly with adolescent girls revealed the depth of curiosity and awareness young people already possess, and the need for trusted spaces to discuss their online challenges.
She observed that participants were eager to learn and that their questions reflected a mature concern for personal safety. The interactive nature of the session and the real-world case studies made learning enjoyable.

What Impact It Created

They became more aware of the importance of privacy controls and of getting help and speaking up before it’s too late. At a broader level, the project contributed to IFDC’s ongoing mission to promote responsible technology use and build emotional resilience among young digital citizens.

The Stay Safe Online initiative stands as a reminder that digital empowerment begins with awareness. By equipping girls with knowledge, confidence, and the courage to take control of their online experiences, IFDC continues to build a safer, more inclusive digital future.
For the 400 young girls who took part, the session was more than an awareness program, it was a transformative learning experience that inspired them to become protectors of their own digital worlds.