Vijayawada: Nearly 70% of cybercrime cases registered against children in Andhra Pradesh in 2024 involved Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), highlighting serious concerns over the online safety of minors.
An analysis of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data by Child Rights and You (CRY) found that 38 of the 55 cybercrime cases involving children in the state fell under the category of cyber pornography and publishing obscene sexual material depicting children.
38 cases involved sexual abuse material
Although the number of registered child cybercrime cases in Andhra Pradesh fell from 124 in 2022 to 55 in 2024, it remains significantly higher than the single case recorded in 2017.
The other cases recorded in 2024 included seven instances of cyber stalking and bullying, two cases of cyber blackmailing or harassment and eight cases classified under other child cybercrime categories.
At the national level, cases of cybercrime targeting children increased from 88 in 2017 to 1,753 in 2024. CSAM-related offences also recorded a substantial increase during the period.
Nellore and Kakinada record highest numbers
District-level data showed that Nellore recorded nine CSAM cases in 2024, followed by Kakinada with eight. Together, the two districts accounted for 17 of the state’s 38 CSAM cases.
East Godavari and Krishna recorded four cases each, while Kurnool and Nandyal reported three each. Eluru recorded two cases, with five other districts reporting one case each.
Campaign focuses on safer digital habits
The findings were released alongside the launch of the ‘Ting Tong’ campaign, which aims to encourage children, parents and educators to pause before sharing or engaging with content online.
Andhra Pradesh has also proposed age-restricted social media access for children below 16 through DigiLocker-based age tokens. The state has deployed AP Cyber Guard and linked digital monitoring with the SHAKTI architecture and the 1098 Child Helpline.
The figures underline the importance of creating an environment where children can report online harm without fear, while parents and educators remain alert to digital risks.