Introduction
India has the world’s second-largest base of internet users and is projected to become the global leader in data usage by 2028.
The “provision of broadband for all” is a primary objective of the National Digital Communication Policy, 2018. The New Telecom Policy of 1999 aimed to ensure internet access to all district headquarters.
Body
- Despite rapid technological advancements over the past thirty years, our understanding of how the internet affects society, particularly children and young adults, has lagged.
- Generations of “digital natives” since the late 1990s have no experience of a world without the internet, while those responsible for implementing protections often frame digital issues in analogue terms.
- The widespread availability of the internet has increased children’s and young people’s exposure to hazards such as child sexual abuse, online harassment, cyberbullying, and blackmail.
- Existing legislation, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which require parental consent for processing a child’s data, address some of these concerns.
- Effective child protection initiatives should begin at home and in the classroom, fostering open dialogue between children and adults, considering children’s experiences and concerns.
- Teaching children about appropriate online behaviour, recognising warning signs of predatory behaviour, and understanding the importance of privacy settings and online boundaries is essential, as emphasised by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
- The internet serves as a valuable resource for both adults and children for education, entertainment, socialisation, and self-realisation. A fear-based approach would be counterproductive.
Conclusion
To create a safer online environment for children, it is crucial for governments and stakeholders to balance protective measures with the need to ensure unrestricted access to digital resources and opportunities.
Comprehensive strategies involving education, legislation, and open communication can help achieve this balance, empowering children to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.