Digital Technology & Children
Digital technology has the potential of removing the economic, geographical, physical, ethnic and racial inequalities if used in the right way and made universally accessible. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that children are being exposed to digital technology at increasingly younger ages. This increases the chances of children and adolescents being bullied and harassed on online platforms.
135
Tween & Teen Deaths due to Blue Whale Challenge
3
Teen Deaths in India due to Momo Challenge
187
Complaints of Online Abuse received by the National Child Helpline of India in 2017
Children Are the Most Gullible Victims of Cyber Bullying
Children are most vulnerable to cyberbullying and online abuse due to their limited experience and lack of judgment. Thus, there is a dire need for rapid action, greater cooperation and focused investment to protect our children from the hazards of a more digitally connected world.
“1 in 10 children worldwide experience some form of cyberbullying.”
“Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.”
“Girls are twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying.”
“Bully victims are 2-9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims.”
Anger
Frustration
Embarrassment
Depression
Low Self-Esteem
Suicidal Ideation
In the League of Protecting Children & Women From Cyberbullying
ARDC strives to guide the Government in curbing cyberbullying of Women and Children through its Research & Development Center on Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. It has taken up the initiative of conducting free awareness workshops in schools on the various aspects of cyberbullying. A teacher is one of the most significant influencers in a child’s life and has a key role to play during a child’s development years. Therefore, ARDC seeks to educate teachers so that they can EDUCATE children on all aspects of cyberbullying and the methods to protect themselves from online abuse and harassment.
Key Takeaways from ARDC’s Awareness Workshop on Cyberbullying
Protecting children from cyberbullying and online abuse requires a holistic approach that must take into consideration all aspects of the child’s life and all the key players – parents, peers, and teachers – who each have a role to play in ensuring their safety. Following are the key areas that would be focused on ARDC’s awareness programs in schools.
How to Identify Cyber Bullying?
How to Prevent Cyber Bullying?
How to Report Online Abuse/Harassment?
Responsible & Safe Use of the Internet
Encouraging Children to Maintain a Healthy Screen Time