‘Can you send me a n*de picture of you’: Akshay Kumar recalls how his daughter fell prey to online gaming risks; ways to protect children from predators

Akshay said his daughter immediately turned off the game and informed her mother. “It was my daughter. She switched off the whole thing, and she went and told my wife,” he shared. The actor called such behaviour a form of “cybercrime” and urged that schools take proactive measures. “This is how things begin. This is also a part of cybercrime… I would request the Chief Minister that in our Maharashtra state, every week on the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth standards, there should be a period called cyber period where children should be explained about it. You all know that this crime is becoming bigger than street crime. It is very important to stop this crime.”

What makes online gaming spaces particularly risky for children?

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, explains, “Kids meet strangers, voice chat is immediate, and play feels private — all of which makes gaming an easy place for bullying, grooming or sexualised talk. Research shows teens play widely and face high rates of harassment in voice/text chats, and grooming and online sexual harm are rising concerns.”

She suggests practical steps for parents: “Learn the game together — watch one match, set privacy and turn off voice or make friends-only. Teach three short rules your child can say and use: ‘I don’t share personal info,’ ‘I’m leaving this chat now,’ and ‘I’ll tell my parent.’ Role-play these. Show how to block/report and save screenshots; reassure them you’ll stay calm and act. Keep conversations open — praise disclosures, avoid punishment, and review settings monthly. Small steps make kids safer without stealing their fun.”

How can schools practically integrate such lessons into their curriculum?

Regarding Akshay’s call for a “cyber period” in schools, Khangarot notes, “Such sessions can go beyond technical rules and actually teach children how to stay safe, spot red flags, and handle uncomfortable interactions. Schools can integrate this by making it part of weekly life-skills classes, using real-life scenarios, role plays, and peer-led discussions. Topics should include privacy, cyberbullying, gaming safety, digital footprints, and seeking help without shame. Alongside this, parents must keep conversations open at home, reinforcing that online safety is as important as road safety.”

How serious is the threat of online grooming and exploitation today compared to physical-world crimes?

On the seriousness of online grooming compared to physical-world crimes, she adds, “Speed and reach mean a predator can connect with hundreds of children anonymously. Grooming relies on trust, flattery, and secrecy, and victims often feel shame, guilt, and confusion. Survivors may struggle with anxiety, depression, paranoia, and fear of exposure. Families must treat digital safety as seriously as street safety. Keep communication open, teach red flags, set boundaries, monitor with trust, teach assertiveness, and offer emotional support if harm occurs.”