Protecting the Unseen – Dealing with Cyber Crimes affecting Children

In recent years, digitalisation has become the new normal. From communicating and shopping to banking and other daily activities, everything happens at our fingertips. This increases the use of technology for all age groups, especially children. While digital platforms provide various opportunities, they also expose vulnerable groups to multiple types of cyber threats. Cyberbullying, internet exploitation, cyberstalking, identity theft, etc are some of the examples. With features like anonymity and the vast reach of the internet, it is easier to target children that are below the age of eighteen due to their lack of maturity level and awareness. Social media, gaming platforms, and artificial intelligence play a crucial role in cybercrimes as they expose children to privacy breaches, harassment, and inappropriate content which increases the need for improving security and parental supervision to protect children from exploitation. The existing literature shows that 36% of young people have experienced cyberbullying. In response, tech companies are enforcing strict content moderation policies, and schools are organizing anti-bullying programs to create awareness among students. However, the effectiveness of these measures in reducing cyberbullying remains a critical area for further research. Against this backdrop, the authors attempt to explore different cyber threats impacting children and highlight the connection between human rights and online safety. The paper is divided into two parts, Part one deals with the analysis of the various cyber threats faced by children, while part two offers suggestions that, if implemented, have the potential to significantly reduce the risks children face in the digital environment, promoting a balanced use of technology, and ensuring that children are better protected in the evolving digital environment.