PROTECTING MINORS FROM CYBERCRIME: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW LEGALLY

Cybercrime is a term which we are all aware of as it has over taken the usual crimes recently. Cybercrime can be committed by individuals, organized crime groups, or even state actors engaged in treason or hamper. The impact of cybercrime is growing, as more people and businesses rely on digital technology for communication, commerce, and personal affairs.

However, cybercrime affecting minors is a severe issue, since children are typically more exposed to online threats due to their lack of knowledge of digital dangers and their regular use of the internet for entertainment, socializing, and studying. Cybercriminals might target youngsters directly or use their personal information for illicit purposes.?

Some of the common forms of cybercrime specifically affecting children:

1. Online Predators

Cybercriminals may pose as someone else—often pretending to be friendly adults—on social media, gaming platforms, or chat rooms to exploit children. These predators try to build trust with children, sometimes manipulating them into sharing personal information, engaging in inappropriate conversations, or even arranging face-to-face meetings that can lead to abuse or exploitation.

2. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves the use of technology (such as social media, messaging apps, or online games) to harass, intimidate, or embarrass others. Children may become victims of these messages, rumours, exclusion from social groups, or even threats. This can cause emotional distress and, in extreme cases, lead to self-harm or suicide.

3. Sexting and Sextortion

Sexting is the sending or exchange of sexually explicit texts, photographs, or videos, typically among adolescents. In certain situations, these photographs or communications may be released without consent, resulting in sextortion—a type of blackmail in which a cybercriminal threatens to share graphic information until the youngster produces further images or meets other conditions.

4. Identity Theft and Fraud

Children may be at risk of identity theft, where criminals steal personal information to commit fraud. This can happen if their personal data is exposed on social media, through scamming , or through data breaches.

5. Online Scams and Fraud

Children may be particularly susceptible to scams, such as fake offers for free items or prizes in online games or websites. Scammers often exploit children's desire for free games, in-game currency, or other digital goods to steal payment information or trick children into revealing personal details.

6. Exposure to Harmful Content

Children may accidentally encounter inappropriate or harmful content online, such as violent videos, explicit material, or extremist propaganda. This exposure can have negative effects on their development, mental health, and emotional well-being. Some cybercriminals also distribute malware or harmful links disguised as entertainment content, infecting a child's device with viruses or ransomware.

7. Online Radicalization and Exploitation

There is also the threat of online radicalization, where children or teenagers may be exposed to extremist content or groomed by individuals seeking to recruit them into harmful ideologies or criminal activities, such as terrorism or gang-related activities.?

WHY MINORS ARE TARGETTED

Minors are often targeted in cybercrimes for several reasons, starting from exposing their vulnerabilities in online to the opportunities that cybercriminals take it as an advantage from younger individuals. Here are some of the reasons:

1.?Lack of Awareness and Experience

• Limited knowledge of risks: Minors, particularly younger children and teenagers, may not entirely understand the possible risks of online interactions, such as scams, threats, or fraud.
• Inexperience in handling sensitive data:?They may accidentally show personal information with strangers online, such as addresses, phone numbers, or passwords, making them a target for identity theft, grooming, or fraud.

2.?Vulnerability to Online Manipulation

• Psychological manipulation:?Cybercriminals targets mostly with emotional and social vulnerabilities in minors. Teenagers may be more susceptible to online predators attacks that prey on their need for attention, validation, or belonging.
• Grooming for exploitation:?Online predators often target minors through social media, gaming platforms, or chat rooms, gradually building trust with the intention of exploiting or abusing them, either for sexual purposes or coercing them into illegal activities.

3.?Social Media

Large online presence:?Minors are heavy users of social media, gaming, and messaging platforms, all of which can be basic grounds for cybercrime. These platforms often have vast, unmonitored networks, and minors can easily become targets for scams, phishing, or cyberbullying.

4.?Financial Exploitation

Minors typically do not have their own steady income, but they may have access to their parents' credit card information or bank accounts. This makes them vulnerable to scams that steal financial information or involve unauthorized purchases.

5.?Lack of Parental Supervision

Parental oversight gaps:?Minors often have unsupervised access to the internet and technology, making them easy targets for online criminals. Even when parents watch their children's online activity, they may be unaware of the full extent of dangers or how criminals operate.

6.?Psychological Vulnerabilities

Peer pressure and desire for popularity:?Minors are especially vulnerable to online social pressure, which hackers can misuse by providing "private" access to information, games, or awards. They may even use threats or emotional manipulation to force youngsters into committing dangerous behaviors. Young people often trust strangers online more readily than adults do, not understanding that many individuals they meet in chat rooms, on social media, or in online games may not be who they claim to be.

7.?Viral Trends and Challenges

Cybercriminals often exploit trending topics, viral challenges, or memes that appeal to minors. These can lead to scams or data theft, all under the guise of harmless fun or participation in a trend.

8.?Increased Digital Footprint

?????????? Minors often share more about their lives on the internet without fully understanding the consequences. Cybercriminals can gather personal data from social media accounts, photos, and other digital footprints to exploit or manipulate minors.

ROLE OF PARENTS IN SAFEGUARDING MINORS FROM CYBERCRIMES

Parents have an important role in safeguarding kids against cybercrime. Their involvement will significantly reduce the dangers that their children face online. Parents are responsible for more than just monitoring their children's online behaviour, they must also provide preventive education, develop communication, establish limits, and use technologies to control and safeguard their children's digital experiences. Here’s how parents can help save their minor children from cybercrime:

1.?Education and Awareness

• Teaching the Basics:?Parents should educate their children about the dangers of the internet, such as scams and online predators. Teaching minors about strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and recognizing suspicious links can help them avoid common traps.
• Understanding Privacy:?Parents should explain the importance of online privacy, including the risks of oversharing personal information like home addresses, phone numbers, and even school details. Encouraging children to keep certain details private can protect them from being targeted by cybercriminals.
• Recognizing Online Risks:?Teach children how to spot red flags in online interactions. For example, if someone online is asking for private information or is pressuring them into doing something uncomfortable, they should know that it’s a potential scam or predatory behaviour.

2.?Open Communication

• Create an Open Dialogue:?Establish a relationship where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences with their parents. If a child encounters something suspicious or uncomfortable online—like a potential scam, cyberbullying, or even online grooming—they should feel safe talking about it without fear of punishment.
• Discuss Online Dangers Regularly:?Keep the conversation ongoing, rather than just addressing risks once. As children grow and their online habits change, it’s important to check in regularly to discuss new platforms, social media trends, and emerging threats.
• Know What They’re Doing Online:?Parents should encourage children to share their online activities, such as what games they play, what social media platforms they use, and who they interact with. This helps parents understand the child's digital landscape and identify potential risks.

3.?Setting Boundaries and Rules

• Establish Clear Rules for Internet Use:?Establish family rules that restrict screen time, identify which websites and applications are permitted, and define acceptable online conduct. For example, kids should be prevented from chatting with strangers or providing personal information online.
• Set Usage Guidelines for Devices:?Establish rules about where and when children can use devices (e.g., no devices in bedrooms, limiting screen time at night). This helps ensure that minors aren’t accessing harmful content in private or late at night when they may be more vulnerable.

4.?Utilizing Technology and Tools

Install Parental Control Software:?Use parental control software to monitor and filter internet usage. These tools can help block inappropriate content, track online activities, and limit time spent on devices. Many programs also allow parents to set time limits and alert them to suspicious behaviour.

5.?Encouraging Critical Thinking

Teach children not to trust strangers or share personal details, even if the person appears friendly or trustworthy. Cybercriminals often use social engineering tactics to manipulate children into giving away sensitive information.

6.?Identifying and Responding to Cybercrime

Encourage children to report anything they find suspicious, whether it’s an inappropriate message, a strange link, or someone asking for personal information. Parents should also be proactive in reporting incidents of cybercrime, such as harassment, bullying, or illegal content, to the appropriate authorities or platforms.

7.?Modelling Safe Online Behaviour

• Be a Role Model:?Parents should set an example for safe and responsible internet use. If parents practice good digital habits, such as protecting their own privacy, avoiding risky online behaviour, and being cautious with personal information, children are more likely to mirror these habits. Parents should respect their children’s online privacy while maintaining oversight. This means balancing monitoring with trust and understanding that as children grow, they need more independence but still require guidance to navigate the online world safely.

Laws Related to Cybercrime Involving Minors that parents must know

1)??? a)?Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act)

·?????? Section 66E (Violation of Privacy):?This section deals with ?the capture, publication, or transmission of private images of a person without their consent

·?????? Section 67 (Pornographic Content):?This provision prohibits the publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.

·?????? Section 67B (Child Pornography and Sexual Abuse Material):?This section specifically criminalizes the production, distribution, or possession of child pornography. Parents should be aware that this law applies to anyone who shares, downloads, or views such material involving minors, which could be harmful to their children or lead to legal consequences.

b)?The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), 2012

??????????????? The?POCSO Act?is a special law designed to protect children from sexual abuse, including online sexual exploitation.

·?????? Child Pornography:?The POCSO Act specifically includes provisions related to child pornography, making it illegal to create, distribute, or possess any form of child sexual abuse material, which can be accessed or shared over the internet.

·?????? Reporting Obligations:?If a parent or guardian becomes aware of a sexual offense or potential harm to a child, there is a legal obligation to report it to law enforcement authorities under this Act.

c)?The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

·?????? The?Juvenile Justice Act?provides comprehensive protection for children in need of care and protection, including those who are victims of cybercrime. This Act covers various forms of child abuse, including:

Online Abuse or Exploitation:?It is important to note that the Act provides special care and procedures for children who are victims of crimes, including those related to cybercrime.

·?????? Rehabilitation:?The law also emphasizes rehabilitation, counselling, and legal provisions to support minor victims of cybercrimes, such as sextortion, online harassment, and exploitation.

d)?The Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Various sections of the IPC can be applied to cases of cybercrime involving minors:

·?????? Section 354D (Stalking):?Stalking is a criminal offense, and it includes repeated monitoring or contacting someone through electronic means. This could be used to address cyberstalking involving minors.

·?????? Section 507 (Criminal Intimidation by Anonymous Communication):?This section applies when someone makes threatening or intimidating communications via electronic means, which could be used in cases of online bullying or harassment.

2.?Cyberbullying Laws

·?????? Cyberbullying is a serious concern for minors.

·?????? Section 503 (Criminal Intimidation):?This section can be used if a minor is being harassed or threatened by someone online.

·?????? Section 499 (Defamation):?If a minor’s reputation is being damaged through online posts or false information, defamation laws can come into play.

3.?Cybersecurity and Data Protection Laws

·?????? Section 72A of IT Act: If someone misuses or discloses personal information about a minor without consent, they can face criminal charges under?Section 72A?of the IT Act.

4.?What Parents Need to Know About Legal Obligations

Protection from Online Exploitation:?Parents should be aware of legal measures to protect children from online exploitation. India has established several?cybercrime cells?within local police stations to handle these types of complaints.

5.?Precautions and Proactive Steps Parents Can Take

·?????? Online Safety Measures:?Parents should be vigilant in monitoring their child’s online activity and encourage the use of?parental controls?on social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms. This can help control who their children interact with online and what content they are exposed to.

6.?How to Report Cybercrime Involving Minors

·?????? National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:?This portal allows individuals to report cybercrimes, including those involving minors. The portal can be accessed at?www.cybercrime.gov.in.

·?????? Child Helpline (1098):?If a child is in immediate danger, parents can contact the national child helpline for protection and assistance.

To protect children from cybercrime, it's important to be proactive and maintain open communication. Here are some strategies for keeping children safe online:

Educate youngsters on the dangers of revealing personal information, interacting with strangers, and engaging in potentially unsafe online activities. ? Monitor online activities, including website visits, social interactions, and apps/games. *Use parental controls and filtering software to restrict access to improper content and prevent hazardous websites.

* Set rules for social media usage and remind children not to accept friend requests from strangers or share too much personal information in their profiles.