The technology that keeps everyone connected, from newborns to the elderly, is the Internet. Today’s kids are forced to become computer and internet literate. They have to overcome some obstacles in the internet which helps them in all aspects like education, arts, sports and personal development.
Yes, cyber criminals do not spare even minors. They stalk them online, threaten them and attack them psychologically and physically. Last month, the National Crime Archive released a report on cybercrimes against minors.
Accordingly, although 1,727 cyber crime cases against minors were filed during the years 2017-2020, only 9 were fully investigated and convicted. Out of these, 6 cases have resulted in convictions. In 3 cases the accused has been acquitted. Other 98% cases are pending in various courts without reaching finality. Out of these only 479 cases (27%) have been given a complete investigation report called charge sheet by the police department to the courts. In more than a thousand other cases, the police department is yet to complete full investigation.
The number of reported cases of cyber crimes against minors in India was 88 in 2017. This peaked at 1,102 crimes in 2020, and the number of crimes decreased marginally to 1,081 in 2021.
67% of these crimes occurred in the category of cyber porn/posting of sexually explicit images of minors. Out of the 1,102 crimes reported in 2020, Maharashtra tops the list with 207 crimes. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh (197) and Karnataka (144). Tamil Nadu ranks 8th with 35 crimes.
Karnataka, which ranked third in cyber crimes against minors in 2020, is at the top in 2021 with 164 crimes. This is 15% of the total 1,081 crimes reported. 172 minors have been affected. In Bengaluru alone, 57 incidents were reported as complaints. This is followed by Delhi (161) and Kerala (138) crimes in 2021. Here the most important thing we need to note is that only 10 cases have been reported in Karnataka in 2019 under this category. But it has risen by about 1,340% to 164 crimes in just two years.
What is the reason for the increase in cyber crimes against minors?
Most certainly internet usage and use of smart devices play an important role. When it comes to children, we do not hesitate to spend. In the last couple of years, online education, followed by high speed internet, large screen computers or mobile phones have ensured that every section of the society can afford this. Crime has also started to increase as a free link to it.
Even minors play digital games online in groups rather than individually. New friends, inbox messages from them create a curiosity for them. They start sharing personal information about themselves with strangers. The result is getting caught in cyber trouble.
How do cybercriminals access minors?
Social networking sites are the most popular choice for cybercriminals to access minors. Use the search feature to guess the kid’s username and age, such as Spiderman, Dora, Princess. Then they send messages pretending to be minors like them. They form a consensus that what you like is what I like. They will ask if we can be friends and gain confidence.
Next to social networking sites, they reach out to children in groups where they play online games together, sometimes using links to school online classes that are shared with everyone.
After befriending a child, their parents will receive personal information about their family situation. They start threatening children with them, sexually harassing them, extorting money, asking them to take pictures of their bodies, and asking them to take part in life-threatening challenges.
What to do to avoid?
Parents should definitely monitor their children’s online world. Don’t allow yourself to spend too much time online unless necessary. They need to keep a close eye on their text messages, photos and emails like a friend.
Always watch for sudden calmness, fear, sleeplessness, etc. Keep an eye on whether they receive gifts from strangers or speak in secret to a new person.
Advise that anyone who asks should not take photos of your body, it is wrong. Avoid sharing other photos of the family as well. Cybercrimes should address social events related to them. They should be made aware from the school itself about what can and cannot be done on social media.
The most important thing is to gain the confidence to tell your parents about whatever is happening. Perhaps, you should contact the police without delay if your child is exposed to cyber threats.