How to handle bomb threats in schools? Teachers get a crash course from cops

The session, spearheaded by Director of Education Veditha Reddy, was held in Shahdara District and witnessed the participation of 247 teachers from the Trans-Yamuna area. Key speakers included DCP, Crime Branch, Sanjay Sain; DCP, Shahdara, Prashant Gautam; and ACP Narcotics, Crime Branch, Anil Sharma.

The training covered several important topics. On responding to bomb threats, teachers were educated on evacuation procedures, communication protocol, and early threat identification.

Substance abuse prevention sessions highlighted the role of educators in identifying warning signs, supporting affected students, and fostering a drug-free environment. On cyber hygiene (CyGene), participants were guided on protecting student data, preventing cyberbullying, and promoting safe digital practices.

Retired ACP Prabhat Sinha, an expert in cybercrime, gave an in-depth presentation on CyGene. Through case studies, he illustrated the rising dangers of cybercrime, offering practical prevention strategies and addressing challenges students encounter in the digital realm. His session also tackled student vulnerabilities concerning cyber safety and substance abuse, and equipping teachers with actionable tools to safeguard their pupils.

The programme concluded with a lecture on identifying hoaxes and scams by SHO Cyber Shahdara, Inspector Manish Kumar Verma. Verma delved into the risks of malicious online activities, sharing effective strategies for ensuring digital safety in educational settings.

In his address, DCP Gautam underscored the transformative role of teachers in students’ lives. “Teachers, as future influencers, have a direct impact on students. It is crucial that they are well-equipped with knowledge on issues like cyber hygiene and drug abuse to ensure their students’ safety and well-being,” he stated.

DCP Sain shared personal insights into law enforcement experiences, asking teachers to remain vigilant and proactive.

This year, the first case of threats to Delhi schools and hospitals was reported in May. Several other government installations, including Tihar Jail and some Union Ministry departments, also received bomb threats.

In the past two weeks, more than 100 schools in Delhi-NCR have received bomb threats with all of them being declared hoaxes. Police had said five students were allegedly behind the hoax emails sent to three schools in Delhi and one in Gurgaon.