The fast pace changing technology has been a boon to human beings in so many ways. It has helped the world become a small place where people can connect with each other just by sitting at their homes. The Internet has become a part of everyday life and as we all know children and teens are the largest in number for the consumption of the internet. But the question arises “Is this rapid use of internet safe?” Social media offers children a great way to stay in touch with their friends and engage with the world. However, it also provides a platform to share an abundance of private information for everyone to see. Being online obviously has its benefits, but it has its risks too and protecting children can seem like a daunting task for parents. But by taking a cautious, approach parents can help their children protect themselves. Children can easily reveal their age, birth date, middle name, address or even family details. Well, this scenario can be very dangerous. Parents should talk to their children about how to set and manage their privacy. A privacy setting of everyone provides strangers with the opportunity to view your children's details, such as their photos, school and conversations with their friends, leaving them at risk of exposing personal information or being vulnerable to grooming and bullying. Also, children should know how to block contacts, in case there is any concern about a certain individual. One of the most effective ways would be by monitoring their internet activity but as a friend. If as a parent you’ll put many restrictions on them there curiosity will derive them to that activity. Instead, let them use it but ask them to have you added as a friend. This you can see who all are interacting with them and how they are using the medium. Also, by installing in authentic anti-virus would help monitor website access and will keep the system free from malware and keep away phishing attacks. Help them in identifying misleading emails. This is where you can sit down with the digital devices, and help them understand the difference between what’s real and what’s fake. Make them understand that no one will certainly of them a million dollars. Surf the internet and show them how is a secure payment gateway looks like. Also, as a parent you should know the legislation that combats cybercrime:-
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is an essential piece of legislation that specifically addresses sexual offences committed against children. POCSO criminalises cybercrime against children, including child pornography, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, defamation, grooming, hacking, identity theft, online child trafficking, online extortion, sexual harassment, violation of privacy.
- The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, is the primary law dealing with cybercrimes against children and adults in India. It is supplemented by the various rules that have been framed under it.
- The India Penal Code (IPC), 1860, protects individuals, including children, from all crimes. The IPC covers certain cybercrimes that are variants of traditional crimes such as theft, cheating, forgery, mischief and defamation. In certain cases, these legislative provisions overlap and an accused may be charged with a series of offences under the relevant provisions of IPC, POCSO and the IT Act. If an accused is convicted under all three acts, they are punished under the provision that provides the greater punishment.
By any chance, if a misleading takes place where to complain?
- You must contact your local police station to register a cybercrime complaint with complete details of the offence and documents i.e. screenshots, e-mail address and details of the suspects.
- You can also complain to the in charge of the cyber cell police station which is almost in every city.
In the end, be aware of what your child is doing on the internet, with whom he is talking take time for all this. An ignorant mind will make mistakes. But if your child is aware of hacking and its malpractices, he/she will be wary. Your kid will then start using the net for all the right reasons and will be less prone to cyber-crimes. So, do your bit and trust your child to make the right choice. Show them the path and let them find their way. Protect your child from cybercrime and let the internet be a boon!
