Campus Journalist 
Children: Victims of online abuse and exploitation
Bullying as it is observed is no longer restricted to the schools, colleges, coaching institutes, playgrounds etc.. This trouble has spread itself over network and technology, making it even more dangerous than before. Cyber bullying, can occur anytime and anywhere – through email, texts, phones and social media websites. India, sadly, is emerging as the global capital of cyber bullying. A survey conducted by Microsoft Corporation in 2012, across 25 countries ranked India third in the number of online bullying cases reported.
According to the 2014 study conducted by the Internet security company, McAfee, “Half of the youth in India have had some experience with cyber bullying.” The 2016 Norton Cyber security Insights Report states that 51% of parents around the world see online bullying as more likely than being bullied at school or work (49%). A constraint in solving the issue is the lack of an appropriate and comprehensive legal mechanism. The IT Act, 2000 does not include any provisions relating to cyber bullying. It mentions only two kinds of offences in this regard. First, publishing of information which is obscene (Article 67). And second, breach of confidentiality and privacy (Article 72).Moreover, there are negligible rules and regulations for schools to tackle cyber bullying.
We currently have, Article 66A of the Information Technology Act,2000 which describes punishment for sending annoying, offensive, and insulting communication through information communication technology. It has been criticised by many as Draconian Law. This law has many plus points as well and to some extent prohibits and penalises bullying. But, statistically observed, unless bullying causes extreme results such as suicide,circulation of pornographic content or serious hate crimes, no stakeholder takes serious concern. In the scenario of a school ,cyber bullying is often tackled within the school and the student is either warned or is expelled. Also,in recent times, many schools organize regular workshops on cybercrimes to spread awareness.
The law makers should adopt friendly and easy policies which explain why cyber bullying is dangerous to children as well as to the society as a whole.Detailed discussions on these should be done in consultation with experts on cybercrime, lawyers, child-rights activists etc. Sensitizing the children about negative impacts will work a lot. Parents on the other hand, need sensitization too, regarding the excessive use of electronic communication devices.
Many countries host regular sensitization programmes for parents. India should also adopt similar mechanisms.Parents need to be aware that cyber bullying is not restricted to children of a certain age group. It can affect anyone any time. They should work with their children and ensure that they are well-informed so that this issue can be handled. Law ,society,parents and children can together prove to be a big help towards eradicating this problem.
Article By- Ashi Kaim
Editing By- Jasleen Kaur
A healthy balance between freedom of access to the Internet and virtual security needs to be maintained.
This article deserves attention.
The cases of cyber bullying are increasing rapidly and there are no efficient laws against such criminals. This just boost their confidence to continue such crimes.
Awareness among all age groups is absolutely necessary especially children, women and LGBTQ community which are the primary targets.