Sochi officials unite to shield students from online threats and exam stress

A recent meeting in Sochi brought together city officials, law enforcement, and school leaders to tackle digital safety for students. Led by Deputy Mayor Yelena Kanyuk, the session focused on protecting children from online threats and preparing them for exams. The gathering included representatives from the city administration, police, and school principals. Their main concern was shielding students from online scams and harmful content. Volunteers have already flagged over 17,000 dangerous links to Roskomnadzor, highlighting the scale of the issue. Law enforcement pledged to take an active role in educating students about digital risks. Schools will now introduce lessons and training sessions on cybersecurity as part of the Year of National Unity initiatives. The discussions also covered exam readiness for 9th and 11th graders, alongside efforts to curb destructive behaviour among pupils. Plans were made for a series of themed events to reinforce safety messages. However, no specific measures had been implemented in Sochi's schools before this zoom meeting. The meeting set clear steps for improving digital security in schools. Lessons on online safety will soon become part of the curriculum, with law enforcement supporting awareness campaigns. These actions aim to reduce risks for students both in exams and their daily internet use.