Ayushmann Khurrana: Kids should be taught mindful use of the internet

Ayushmann Khurrana’s films are known to have an underlying social message. From Vicky Donor, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and Badhaai Ho to Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Article 15 and more, there is always a takeaway from his films. Also the father of two children - Virajveer and Varushka - it’s obvious that the actor is conscious about kids’ content consumption through TV, cinema and the digital space in today’s world.   

Speaking on the occasion of ‘Safer Internet Day’ on February 7, Ayushmann Khurrana had an important message for all. Raising awareness about the risks children face online, the actor told ANI, “We live a large part of our lives on the internet today, through our mobiles and computers. It presents great opportunities to grow, thrive, connect and build relationships. However, this also presents risks to children and young people who access and use the online space.”

From being bullied and abused over private messages to being trolled publicly through offensive comments on social media posts, online violence is affecting youngsters’ mental health and well-being, due to which they tend to withdraw socially. “Combined with the lack of a supportive environment to seek help, or the fear of losing access to the internet often leads children to remain silent, further compounding the ill-effects of the abuse they have suffered,” he added.

According to the actor, it is important to create an environment for children to talk about these risks and threats safely, and he is going to work with UNICEF on the same. “It is important to create an environment where children know how to seek help and are not afraid to ask for help when they face online abuse or encounter a breach of privacy. They should know who to go to seek support, including parents, teachers and peers in school. Children must be made aware of the importance of ensuring privacy, avoiding contact with unknown or suspicious profiles when online and reporting offences. We should train our children for informed and mindful use of the internet,” he elaborated.

Ayushmann urged people to avoid unnecessary sharing of private information and pictures online. “Be mindful of the comments and messages we write on social media and familiarise ourselves with how to report offences on various social media platforms. By doing so, we can influence our children to access the internet and help them harness its vast potential to transform their lives, knowing they are safe and protected,” he summed up.

The actor will be next seen in Raaj Shaandilyaa-directed comedy drama film Dream Girl 2, also starring Ananya Pandey. Among his latest releases are Anek, Doctor G and An Action Hero.