Solan school students apprised of digital safety, menstrual health

Students of Rajkiya Varishth Madhyamik Vidhyalaya (RVMV) at Bathalang in Solan were apprised about menstrual health and digital safety during an awareness programme organised by the Youth Red Cross of Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights and Disability Studies of the university. The session emphasised on safe digital practices, understanding of web layers, health awareness and empowering students to make informed decisions.

An interactive session introduced the students to the three phases of the web — surface web, deep web and dark web. They were told that the surface web comprised publicly accessible platforms such as Google, YouTube and educational websites. The students were cautioned about the hazardous nature of the dark web and its association with cybercrimes.

To demonstrate risks, a short real-life-based fictional story of Kabir, a schoolchild who unknowingly encounters online threats, was narrated to sensitise the students about how easily young users could fall victim to unsafe digital behaviour. The team strongly advised students to avoid clicking unknown or suspicious links and adopt responsible online habits.

In the second segment on menstrual health and hygiene, the speakers encouraged the students to perceive menstruation as a natural biological process and reject prevailing taboos. The session highlighted the importance of open conversations, including among male peers and family members, along with maintaining proper hygiene, a healthy routine, regular exercise and limiting junk food. The students were guided on incorporating iron-rich foods like spinach, jaggery, beetroot and fruit in their diet. Key health concerns such as the PCOS, PCOD and hormonal changes were discussed, with emphasis on seeking timely medical advice.

The students actively participated, shared experiences and asked questions in a supportive, stigma-free environment, making the session both informative and empowering. The programme concluded with a collective commitment to continuing promoting awareness on health, digital safety and holistic personal development in alignment with the law university’s mission to empower the youth through education, sensitisation and responsible citizenship.