Context:

A recent study conducted by ChildFund India and the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) recommends integrating digital literacy and online safety into school curricula from the primary level to protect children from online risks. The study highlights the urgent need for corrective measures to address the increasing exposure of children to online sexual exploitation and abuse.

About Online child sexual abuse:

Online child sexual abuse and online child sexual exploitation involve the use of information and communication technology as a means to sexually abuse and/or sexually exploit children.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) defines child sexual abuse "as contacts or interactions between a child and an older or more knowledgeable child or adult (stranger, sibling or person in a position of authority such as a parent or caretaker) when the child is being used as an object for the older child's or adult's sexual needs. 

Key Findings of the study:

·        Increased exposure to online risks: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased children's exposure to online risks, including grooming, cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation.

·        Low digital awareness: Both children and adults lack sufficient digital awareness, making minors more susceptible to online threats.

·        Underreporting and stigma: Underreporting of online abuse is a significant challenge, driven by fear, shame, and social stigma.

Key Recommendations:

·        Integrate digital literacy: Make digital literacy and online safety education a compulsory part of school curricula from the primary level.

·        Teacher training: Train teachers to recognize signs of online abuse and educate children on safe digital practices.

·        Parental supervision: Promote parental supervision and digital awareness at home.

·        Community awareness: Develop community awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around reporting online sexual abuse.

Measures to Protect Children for online abuse:

·        Information Technology (IT) Act: Identifies offenses to which children are most vulnerable and provides penalties for such offenses.

·        Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Aims to curb the circulation of Child Sexual Exploitation Abuse Material (CSEAM) on social media platforms.

·        National Action Plan for Children, 2016: Focuses on preventing crimes against children, especially sexual offenses.

·        Ratification of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), 1990: Strengthens provisions for protecting children's rights

Conclusion:

Digital literacy is crucial in today's digital age, where children are increasingly exposed to online risks. By integrating digital literacy into school curricula, children can learn about online safety, consent, privacy, and responsible technology use. This can help prevent online child sexual abuse and exploitation, and promote a safer digital environment for children.