The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.

Q18. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Approach: Introduce in brief about NCPCR. In the body, first mention challenges faced by children in the digital era. Secondly, provide the existing policies to address challenges by children in the digital era. Further address the measures NCPCR can initiate to address challenges faced by children in the digital era. Conclude with Article 14, 19 and 21.

Model Answer

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), established under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, is a statutory body mandated to protect and promote the rights of children across India. NCPCR ensures that all laws, policies, and programmes align with the rights of children (0–18 years) as enshrined in the Constitution and the UNCRC. In the digital era, new vulnerabilities demand proactive intervention to ensure child safety.

Challenges faced by children in the digital era

Cyberbullying and online harassment Children face trolling, harassment, and bullying on social media and gaming platforms, affecting their mental health. NCPCR issues advisories to schools and parents for cyber safety awareness.
Online gaming and addiction: Excessive gaming leads to addiction, aggressive behaviour, and even financial exploitation through in-app purchases. NCPCR recommended strict age-vertification mechanisms and time limits on online gaming platforms.
Exposure to inappropriate content: Easy access to violent, explicit, or age-inappropriate content can harm a child’s psychological development. NCPCR works with the Ministry of Electronics and IT to enforce content filters and age-appropriate digital access.
Digital divide: Pandemic-induced digital learning exposed disparities in access to devices and internet connectivity. NCPCR recommended bridging the digital gap through public-funded initiatives and safe digital learning practices.
Identity theft: Children’s personal data is collected via apps and games without proper safeguards.
- Eg: Privacy concerns were raised about EdTech platforms storing large amounts of minors’ data without parental consent.

Existing policies to address challenges faced by children in digital era

Information Technology Act, 2000: Sections 67B & 69A of the IT Act prohibit publishing or transmitting obscene material involving children.
POCSO Act, 2012 (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences): Criminalises online sexual exploitation, including child pornography.
- Eg: The 2019 amendment mandated electronic evidence admissibility in child abuse cases
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (2019): Provides an online mechanism to report cybercrimes, including child-related offences.
Draft Data Protection Bill, 2022 (Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023): Requires parental consent for processing data of children under 18 years.
NCPCR Guidelines on EdTech Platforms (2022): Issued advisories to regulate EdTech companies to protect children’s data and prevent commercial exploitation.

Measures NCPCR can initiate to address challenges faced by children in the digital era

- Strengthening digital literacy: Introduce child-friendly digital literacy modules in schools under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Eg: Like UK’s best practice of “ThinkUKnow” programme, India can develop age-appropriate digital safety curriculum.

Centralised child online safety cell: Establish a dedicated unit under NCPCR to monitor online threats, coordinate with CERT-In, and maintain a real-time database of cybercrime trends.
- Eg: Australia’s e-safety commissioner serves as a model for proactive monitoring.
AI-Based monitoring of online content: Collaboration between tech companies and NCPCR can enable deployment of AI-driven tools to detect and remove harmful content online.
- Eg: Microsoft’s PhotoDNA used to identify child abuse material can be adopted for Indian platforms.
Appoint child rights experts in key roles: Subject-matter experts bring evidence-based, sensitive, and innovative approaches to solving complex issues like trafficking, child labour, and abuse.
Enhance monitoring: Strong monitoring tools and digital platforms can help track cases, identify at-risk children, and ensure timely interventions. Child-friendly complaint systems (e.g., helplines, online portals) ensure access to justice.
Psychological support: Expand Childline 1098 to provide digital counselling services for victims of cyberbullying and online exploitation.
- Eg: Singapore’s TOUCH Cyber Wellness integrates counselling with digital well-being programs.

A child’s right to safety, privacy, and dignity in the digital era is inseparable from constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 19, and 21. By driving legislative reform, platform accountability, and awareness initiatives, NCPCR can ensure that technology becomes an enabler of empowerment rather than a source of exploitation for India’s children.