The growing use of social media among children has raised fresh concerns about the ways online interactions can expose vulnerable youngsters to exploitation, unsafe relationships and, in some cases, child marriage.
A recent report in The Hindu highlighted a case handled by the District Child Welfare Committee in Chennai involving a 15-year-old girl from Nepal who had married a 28-year-old man. The case has drawn attention to the need for stronger awareness and protection mechanisms for children interacting with people online.
Online friendships can hide serious risks
Social media platforms allow children to communicate with people beyond their immediate circles. While these platforms can provide opportunities for learning and social connection, children may not always recognise manipulation, grooming or emotional exploitation.
Adults who deliberately build trust with minors can use seemingly harmless conversations to create dependency and influence decisions. For a child seeking friendship, affection or support, recognising such behaviour can be difficult.
Families need open conversations
Experts and child-protection workers have repeatedly stressed the importance of communication between children and trusted adults. Parents should encourage children to discuss uncomfortable online experiences without fear of punishment or blame.
Rather than relying only on surveillance, families can help children understand privacy, safe boundaries and the importance of never meeting an online contact without appropriate adult knowledge and protection.
Protecting childhood is everyone’s responsibility
Child marriage can have serious consequences for education, physical health, mental wellbeing and future opportunities. India’s legal framework prohibits marriage involving children, with the law defining a child as a girl below 18 and a boy below 21 for marriage-related purposes.
The growing digital presence of children makes online safety an increasingly important part of child protection. Schools, families, social workers, technology platforms and authorities all have a role in ensuring that children are protected from exploitation.