Keeping children safe online, while ensuring their right to access the internet
Keeping children safe online, while ensuring their right to access the internet The Indian Express
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Protecting Vulnerable Members of Society from the Harms of Technology
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Introduction
At a time when technology is integrated into all aspects of life, it is crucial to consider how society’s most vulnerable members can be better protected from its harms. This article discusses the observations made by a single-judge bench of Delhi High Court on May 6, emphasizing the need to go beyond teaching minors about “good touch” and “bad touch” in the physical world. The concept of “virtual touch” was introduced, highlighting the importance of equipping minors with knowledge and tools to navigate online interactions safely and recognize potential risks lurking in cyberspace.
The Impact of the Internet on Society
More than three decades since the internet entered the public domain, there is still a struggle to fully understand how the world wide web impacts society, especially children and young adults. The generations of “digital natives” who have grown up with the internet face unique challenges that those responsible for safeguarding them often struggle to address. It is essential to keep pace with the evolution of technology and frame these challenges in terms that are relevant to the digital world.
The Pervasiveness of Online Dangers
The pervasiveness of the internet has made it easier for children and young people to be exposed to various dangers, including child sexual abuse, online harassment, cyberbullying, and blackmail. Existing laws such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act provide some safeguards by mandating parental consent for processing a child’s data. However, legislation alone cannot fully address the dynamic nature of the internet and its threats.
The Role of Education and Communication
Efforts to protect children must begin from the home and classroom, with open and honest conversations between children and adults. It is crucial to consider the concerns and experiences of children while teaching them about appropriate online behavior, recognizing warning signs of predatory behavior, and understanding the importance of privacy settings and online boundaries.
A Balanced Approach
The internet is a valuable resource for both adults and children, serving educational, entertainment, socializing, and self-realization purposes. Taking a fear-based approach would be counterproductive. Instead, a balanced approach is needed that ensures the safety of children online while respecting their right to access the internet. It is important to note that a majority of children in India still have limited or no access to the internet.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | – Teaching children about appropriate online behavior – Recognizing warning signs of predatory behavior – Understanding the importance of privacy settings and online boundaries |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | – Protecting minors from online harassment and cyberbullying |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020 | – Ensuring children have access to the internet for education, entertainment, socializing, and self-realization |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Protecting children from child sexual abuse and online threats |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
– Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
– Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020.
– Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Teaching children about appropriate online behavior.
– Recognizing warning signs of predatory behavior.
– Understanding the importance of privacy settings and online boundaries.
– Protecting minors from online harassment and cyberbullying.
– Ensuring children have access to the internet for education, entertainment, socializing, and self-realization.
– Protecting children from child sexual abuse and online threats.
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: indianexpress.com
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