By Tanveer Zaidi
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently revealed a chilling incident involving his 13-year-old daughter, Nitara, which underscores the growing threat of cybercrime targeting minors. During an online multiplayer video game, an unknown individual attempted to exploit the young teenager by soliciting inappropriate images.
How the Incident Unfolded
The perpetrator, an unknown player, initially engaged Nitara in friendly conversation within the game. Once trust was established, the messages quickly turned explicit, with the predator demanding nude photographs from the young girl.
Fortunately, Nitara acted swiftly and responsibly. She immediately turned off her device and informed her mother, actress Twinkle Khanna.
Their prompt and open communication prevented the situation from escalating, averting potential blackmail or further exploitation.
Akshay Kumar Speaks Out
At a Cyber Awareness Month event on October 3, 2025, Akshay Kumar shared the personal story to highlight the dangers children face online.
He emphasized the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes, noting that these crimes are rapidly surpassing traditional street crimes in severity and complexity.
Kumar appealed to the Maharashtra Chief Minister to introduce a dedicated “Cyber Period” in schools for students in grades 7 to 10.
During this weekly session, children would be educated about online threats, digital hygiene, and methods to protect themselves from cyber predators.
He stressed the importance of parents maintaining vigilance over their children’s online activities and fostering open communication about internet safety.
While children enjoy the digital world, predators are always lurking. Open communication, awareness, and timely action are crucial to ensure safety,” Kumar remarked.
Steps Parents and Teens Should Take Immediately
If a minor is targeted by an online predator, prompt action is essential:
- Stop All Communication: Immediately block and mute the perpetrator. Do not respond to messages, as engagement can escalate the situation.
- Inform a Trusted Adult: Notify parents, teachers, school counselors, or another responsible adult. Teens may fear losing online privileges, but adult intervention is vital for safety.
- Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots of all messages, emails, and social media interactions. Record dates, times, and URLs. Evidence is crucial for legal action.
- Do Not Delete Information: Avoid deleting any content, as law enforcement will require it for investigation.
- Update Passwords: Change passwords on all accounts, including email, social media, and banking. Use strong, unique passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra security layer wherever possible to prevent unauthorized access.
- Report to Platforms: Use reporting features on social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps.
- Secure Financial Accounts: If banking information was compromised, immediately notify banks or credit card companies and freeze or close accounts.
Reporting Cybercrime in India
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Teens and parents can report crimes at cybercrime.gov.in, including offenses against women and children. Reports can be made anonymously.
- National Cyber Helpline: For financial cyber fraud, call 1930 and file a complaint within 24 hours.
- Local Police: Formal complaints can also be lodged at the nearest police station or specialized cyber cell.
- Emergency Assistance: In urgent situations, dial 112 for immediate help.
Online Reporting Process
- Visit the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- Select the relevant category: “Crime Against Women/Children” or “Other Cybercrime.”
- Provide detailed information and upload evidence.
- Track the complaint’s progress on the portal.
Best Practices for Long-Term Cyber Hygiene
- Adjust Privacy Settings: Limit the public visibility of personal information on social media.
- Avoid Oversharing: Never post sensitive details like home address, phone numbers, or banking information online.
- Protect Devices: Install antivirus software and regularly update systems and applications.
- Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid financial transactions on public networks; use a VPN for secure connections.
- Think Before You Click: Beware of phishing links, suspicious pop-ups, or messages from unknown senders.
Key Takeaway
The incident involving Nitara is a stark reminder that cyber predators are increasingly sophisticated, and even trusted digital spaces like gaming platforms can become dangerous. Awareness, vigilance, and proactive measures are essential to protect children from online exploitation.
As Akshay Kumar highlighted, education and preparedness are the first lines of defense against cybercrime, and parents, schools, and authorities must work together to safeguard young digital users.
(By Tanveer Zaidi (Actor-Author-Educationist)
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