Incorporate Digital Literacy into the Curriculum to Prevent Online Child Sexual Abuse

The initiative was carried out by ChildFund India alongside the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR).

It assessed 903 kids between 8 and 18 years old, revealing that online dangers have risen markedly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It emphasizes the vital importance of parents, educators, lawmakers, and communities in safeguarding children on the internet.

Internet-based child sexual abuse and exploitation

Internet-based child sexual abuse and exploitation entail utilizing technology to sexually violate children, frequently through intimidation, pressure, or deceit.

Child sexual abuse involves harmful contact or interactions in which a child is exploited for sexual reasons without consent, whereas child sexual exploitation encompasses this abuse along with the exchange of benefits such as food or shelter.

Reasons

Each year, numerous children become victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation, exacerbated by the misuse of current and new technologies such as AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning.

These technologies enable harassment, the non-consensual distribution of images, child sexual exploitation materials, extortion, and the live broadcasting of abuse.

Children who are vulnerable and marginalized are affected to a greater extent.

Even with legal protections, cultural stigma and fear of retaliation deter numerous victims from pursuing justice.

Consequences

Child sexual abuse constitutes a severe infringement of their rights and represents a worldwide public health issue.

It negatively impacts the well-being of youth and teenagers.

Legislation around the world

Global and local agreements, such as the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 2007 Lanzarote Convention, outline children's rights and mandate that countries safeguard children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

These accords concentrate on stopping abuse, safeguarding victims, prosecuting perpetrators, and encouraging collaboration for efficient investigation and prevention of these offenses.

Situation in India

Currently, Section 67B of the IT Act 2000 penalizes individuals who disseminate or share content in electronic format that portrays children engaged in sexually explicit activities.

Sections 13, 14, and 15 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) make it illegal to exploit children for pornographic reasons, to possess child pornography in any format, and to use a child for sexual pleasure.

Moreover, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita punishes the sale, distribution, or public display of obscene materials, whereas Section 295 prohibits selling, distributing, or showing such obscene items to minors.

Recommendations

India's current legislative and policy framework must evolve to meet future challenges by implementing appropriate adjustments.

A comprehensive method is necessary to incorporate digital literacy, knowledge of online rights, robust support networks, and responsible digital conduct.

Teaching about consent, privacy, and responsible technology use, along with revised laws to tackle AI-related abuses, is essential.

Improving parental oversight, teacher education, and encouraging transparent communication between kids and parents is essential.