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New Delhi: More than 56 per cent of parents and educators are advocating the inclusion of internet safety as part of the core school curriculum to protect students from rising online risks and exposure to malicious content, a new survey has revealed.

The study, conducted by Silverline Prestige School, gathered responses from 1,800 parents and 300 teachers and examined how rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the digital ecosystem in which children learn, socialise and access information.

According to the survey, 32 per cent of respondents favoured making internet safety a standalone subject with weekly classes, while 24 per cent supported integrating it into existing core subjects such as computer studies. Commenting on the findings, Naman Jain, Vice Chairman of the school, said the results should serve as a wake-up call for educators and policymakers alike.

“Our parents and teachers are telling us clearly—the digital world our students inhabit today is fundamentally different from the one we grew up in. With AI reshaping every corner of the internet, online safety is no longer optional; it is an essential literacy,” Jain said.

He added that schools have a responsibility to equip students not just with academic knowledge, but also with the awareness and practical tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital environment safely and responsibly. “Education must prepare children for both the opportunities and the risks of tomorrow,” he said.

The survey highlighted cyberbullying as the most pressing concern, with 34 per cent of participants identifying prevention and reporting mechanisms as their top priority. Protection from inappropriate content and online predators was cited by 29 per cent respondents, while 22 per cent flagged privacy protection and responsible sharing of personal information as urgent needs. Managing screen time and preventing digital addiction emerged as a concern for 15 per cent of those surveyed.

On the preferred frequency of digital safety education, 42 per cent of respondents called for monthly sessions, 35 per cent supported term-wise programmes, 16 per cent favoured biannual sessions, and only 7 per cent felt that annual sessions would be sufficient.

The survey also underscored high levels of anxiety around emerging online threats. About 40 per cent respondents said they were “extremely concerned” about students’ exposure to inappropriate content and digital risks, describing it as a daily worry requiring immediate action. Another 24 per cent reported being “moderately concerned”.

Despite these concerns, preparedness levels among adults remain low. Only 12 per cent of respondents said they felt “very prepared” to actively address online safety issues. A majority—51 per cent—said they were “somewhat prepared” but required additional resources and training, while 29 per cent admitted they felt “minimally prepared” and struggled to keep pace with rapid technological change.