Your Kid Is Growing- But So Is Internet Exposure: Understanding Cyberbullying in India
In this world of widespread internet presence, where children are growing up under the immense influence of the digital world and spending their time on the internet, it exposes them to serious risks, the most worrying of which is cyberbullying.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying can be summarized as intentional harm inflicted through digital devices such as smartphones, computers, or tablets.
Ranging from digital harassment, the spread of false news, online rumors, uncalled comments on social media platforms, or posting humiliating or morphed photos and videos.
Cyberbullying monstrously stalks us. It can happen anywhere, at any time, and sometimes even anonymously, making it even more difficult to deal with.
Cyberbullying- an unspoken attack using social media
Imagine you got hold of your kid’s cell phone only to find that he/she is being bullied online by someone totally stranger to you or he/she is in contact with some unknown persons or sites that are way too suspicious in their modus operandi.
As an adult you can judge right or wrong ,you can assess anything worrisome and after finding something fishy in your kids mobile you may feel taken aback for the safety and security of your child and suddenly you start blaming yourself and your partner for giving cell phone with internet to your kid at such a tender age.
Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it | UNICEF
Cell phones and the internet are now essential in our lives, no doubt.
Because of COVID-19, kids were given their own cell phones to attend their online classes, which is a fact.
Parents don’t try to catch up with their kids’ online activities, a duty not to ignore.
Kids are also smart to hide their activities, a reality.
Evils of social media | PPTX – SlideShare
Alarming Cyberbullying Trends Among Indian Children
Getting unlimited internet and entering wrong personal information to have access to the sites meant only for adults – kids are unable to process the process and become easy targets of the cyber criminals.
By the time they realize that they are getting entrapped it’s too late.
And to add to their woes, they don’t inform their parents and try to solve their problems themselves.
Stats of cyberbullying among kids in India.
- Around 85% of Indian children are reportedly being cyberbullied, which is the highest in the world.
- Many children have admitted to cyberbullying other children, and this is alarmingly high globally.
According to the McAfee reports 2022,India has been ranked #1 for reported cyberbullying in the world with alarming data of kids getting cyberbullied as early as at the age of 10.
Dangers of Cyberbullying Emerge—Our Latest Connected Family …
Data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a daunting increase in the cyber crimes against children that directly expose them to cyber stalking, web-hacking, personal data hacking, and even cyber pornography.
The need of the hour is to be vigilant before being a victim of cybercrime.
In a time of severe social media exposure, the need to be attentive and cautious towards your kids’ activities is now essential.
An alarmingly large number of children hide their social media experiences from their peers, parents, and teachers due to fear and embarrassment, which is even more worrying for them.
Any communication gap between children and their parents will grim the situations furthermore.
Report & Check Suspect – Cyber Crime Portal
Why is Cyberbullying so common in India?
- Early and unmonitored Internet access – Many children have their own smartphones, and after COVID-19, almost all school-going kids have their own smartphones, and a significant share of them are unattended by their elders.
- Lack of digital awareness – Although many kids use internet services, they remain unaware of the dangers associated with the internet. Furthermore, most lack fundamental knowledge about cybercrime, and many parents underestimate the risks of the cyber world.
- Social Media Culture – Surrounded by alluring social media platforms, like X, Facebook, Quora, WhatsApp, Reddit, Instagram, Telegram, and gaming sites, kids are unknowingly exposing themselves to the negative aspects of these platforms and are at high risk of teasing, harassment, and threats.
- Stigma regarding reporting – Many children fear telling adults about cyberbullying, and at the same time, many parents fear social stigma, so either kids don’t tell their parents about it, or when told, parents choose to keep mum instead of reporting the issue.
Laws against cyber crimes
Yes, there are stricter laws for cyber crimes under Information Technology Act 2000 (ITA-2000),( with amendments in 2008) and the Indian Penal Code,1860.
Precautions is better for any untoward incidents
Parenting is not an easy task, nor is it rocket science.
Accountability is one thing and maintaining a cordial relation with your own kids is another thing.
It is hard to sniff the motives of criminals who often disguise themselves as well-wishers and it’s even harder to nab these criminals.
Giving space to your kids is one aspect but keeping a tab on the tab of the kids is another one – both are required for the growth and the safeguarding of them.
Pros and cons of over indulgence to social media are to be explained to the kids beforehand.
Raising your child in a concerning environment is a tough task and it can be done only when one has a friendly and gracious relation with kids.
What is Cybersecurity? – Cisco
What Parents Should Do: A Practical Guide
- Never create a communication gap with your children.
- Get some realistic digital boundaries.
- Teach them the negative sides of the Internet.
- Make them aware of online etiquette.
- Supervise, and not spy on their online activities.
- Take action when needed without blaming and shaming the kid.
Conclusion: Ensuring children’s digital safety
Cyberbullying doesn’t only bring trouble to the kids; it can lead to heinous crimes against them; it is a serious issue affecting their mental and emotional health and safety.
The internet is an inevitable part of our lives. It is a powerful medium of learning and connection. But since big risks accompany internet use, awareness against its misuse is a must for all sections of society.