In a powerful revelation that underscores the growing dangers of the digital age, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar disclosed that his 13-year-old daughter recently became a victim of online harassment while playing a video game. Speaking at the launch of a cyber awareness campaign in Mumbai on Friday, the actor detailed the disturbing incident and made an urgent appeal to the government of Maharashtra to integrate cyber safety education into school curriculums.
The Shocking Incident
Akshay Kumar, known for his discipline and advocacy of social issues, recounted the frightening episode during his speech. A few months ago, while his daughter was engaged in an online video game, she received a message from an anonymous player. The message first asked a seemingly simple question: “Are you a boy or a girl?” When she replied that she was a girl, the individual shockingly demanded inappropriate photographs.
“She was playing a video game, the kind where you can be connected to strangers,” Kumar explained to the audience. “Suddenly, she got a message asking if she was a boy or a girl. She replied that she was a girl. The next message shocked us—it asked if she could send nude pictures. Thankfully, my daughter immediately shut down the game and went straight to her mother to tell her everything. That is how these things begin. It may sound small, but it is the starting point of a very serious crime.”
The incident, though handled swiftly by the young girl and her parents, left a lasting impact on Kumar, who stressed that this was not just a personal issue but a reflection of the rising wave of cybercrime that threatens millions of children across India.
Cybercrime: A Growing National Threat
In his address, Kumar emphasized that cybercrimes are no longer isolated events but a fast-growing menace that often exceeds traditional street crimes in terms of scale and impact. “You all know how big this issue is becoming,” he said. “These are not just random cases. This is organized, widespread, and it is expanding every day. Children, teenagers, and even adults are vulnerable to manipulation, extortion, and abuse online. The digital space, if left unchecked, can become more dangerous than any street corner.”
According to official figures cited by Indian media, cybercrime complaints have been increasing annually at alarming rates, ranging from identity theft and financial fraud to cyberbullying and child exploitation. Kumar’s revelation, therefore, highlights the urgent need for systemic reform to protect the most vulnerable demographic—children and teenagers.
A Call for Cyber Awareness in Schools
Kumar’s most significant appeal was directed at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the state education department. He urged them to introduce a weekly “Cyber Period” in schools from Grade 7 to Grade 10, ensuring students receive structured education about online safety.
“I strongly request the government to make cyber awareness a compulsory part of school education,” Kumar said. “Children must know how to identify threats, how to respond to suspicious messages, and how to protect themselves online. If we can teach mathematics and science every week, we can surely dedicate one period to teaching cyber safety. It is as important as any other subject in today’s world.”
He further added that while parents often attempt to monitor their children’s digital activities, the reach and complexity of the internet make it impossible to shield them completely. “Our children are growing up in a digital era. We cannot stop them from being online, but we can prepare them to face the challenges responsibly. Education is the key.”
Celebrity Responsibility and Public Reaction
Akshay Kumar’s candid admission struck a chord with parents, educators, and policymakers alike. Many praised him for openly sharing such a sensitive incident involving his own family, as celebrities often shy away from discussing private matters. By using his platform, Kumar not only shed light on a personal ordeal but also amplified a national concern, turning the spotlight on an issue that is often underestimated or ignored.
Social media reactions quickly poured in after the revelation. Parents expressed solidarity, recounting their own experiences of their children being exposed to inappropriate content or suspicious online interactions. Child rights activists also lauded Kumar for bringing the conversation to mainstream attention and echoed his demand for mandatory cyber safety lessons in schools.
The Larger Context of Online Safety in India
India, with its rapidly expanding internet user base, particularly among young people, faces unique challenges in cyberspace. The surge in online gaming platforms, social media apps, and digital communication tools has opened doors to creativity and connectivity, but it has also exposed children to predators and cybercriminals.
Reports suggest that online child exploitation cases are on the rise, with many incidents going unreported due to stigma or lack of awareness. Experts argue that while laws exist to punish cybercriminals, preventive education is a far more powerful tool. Kumar’s proposal for integrating cyber education into the school system aligns with this preventive approach.
Conclusion: Protecting the Next Generation
Akshay Kumar’s disclosure about his daughter’s online harassment is more than just a personal anecdote—it is a wake-up call for millions of Indian families navigating the digital world. His appeal to the government reflects a broader understanding that in today’s interconnected society, safeguarding children requires more than parental vigilance; it demands institutional support and formal education.
By advocating for a dedicated “Cyber Period” in schools, Kumar has opened up a new conversation about how India can adapt its education system to the realities of the 21st century. If implemented, such measures could empower children to recognize dangers early, respond effectively, and grow into responsible digital citizens.
