Safer Internet Day Awareness: Alarming 4800% Surge in Cyber Crimes Against Children Over Five Years

Mustafa Saidalavi CEO, GenExcle.Ai

In light of the recent Safer Internet Day, a shocking report has emerged from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, revealing a staggering 4800% increase in cyber crimes against children within a span of five years. The findings, presented by Child Rights and You (CRY), highlight the urgent need for stronger child online protection measures. The analysis, leveraging data from the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), points to the growing internet usage as a significant contributor to this surge.

A mere 3 cases were recorded in 2018, a number that alarmingly rose to 147 by 2022. Soha Moitra, the Regional Director of CRY, expressed concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic might have exacerbated the situation by increasing children's exposure to online platforms for education and entertainment, subsequently raising their vulnerability.

The analysis further revealed a disturbing trend where 93% of these crimes involved the distribution or transmission of content showing children in sexually explicit acts. Madhya Pradesh, with 147 reported incidents, stands as the third highest in the nation for such crimes, following Karnataka and Rajasthan.

Enhancing Child Online Protection

The study, conducted in collaboration between CRY and Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, aimed to delve into the nature and scope of online threats to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results were telling, with 78% of participating teachers from Madhya Pradesh observing behavioral changes in children that suggested potential exploitation and abuse.

Alarmingly, 98% of parents were reluctant to report incidents of online sexual exploitation and abuse of their children to authorities. This reluctance is compounded by a lack of awareness, as none of the surveyed parents were informed about existing laws designed to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Key Recommendations for Enhanced Online Safety

1. Education and Awareness: Increase awareness among parents, educators, and children about the risks associated with online activities. Implement comprehensive digital literacy programs that include the safe and responsible use of the internet.

2. Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Review and enhance existing laws and regulations to ensure they adequately address the evolving nature of cyber crimes against children. Encourage the development of clear reporting mechanisms and support services for victims.

3. Promoting Digital Literacy: Schools and community centers should incorporate digital literacy into their curriculums, focusing on teaching children how to navigate the internet safely, recognize potential threats, and protect their personal information.

4. Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to engage actively in their children's online activities. Provide them with tools and knowledge to monitor and guide their internet use, fostering an environment of open communication about online safety.

5. Collaborative Efforts: Strengthen partnerships between government bodies, non-profit organizations, tech companies, and educational institutions to create a unified front against cyber crimes targeting children. These collaborations can facilitate the sharing of best practices, resources, and technological solutions to enhance online safety.

As we mark Safer Internet Day, this report serves as a crucial reminder of the collective action required to protect our children from online threats. By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards a safer digital environment for all children, ensuring they can leverage the internet's vast resources without fear of exploitation or abuse.