Digital Safety for Children: Cyberbullying, Online Harassment & Legal Actions in India


By Beylr Legal Consulting




In today’s digital world, children spend more time online than ever before—using mobile phones, social media, online classes, gaming apps, and video platforms. While technology offers learning and entertainment, it also exposes children to risks like cyberbullying, online harassment, impersonation, blackmail, and exposure to harmful content.


As parents and guardians, understanding the legal protections available for children in India is crucial for ensuring their online safety.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying refers to any act of threatening, insulting, humiliating or harassing a child online through:

Social media posts or messages

WhatsApp / Instagram chats

Fake profiles

Sharing edited photos or videos

Spreading rumours

Excluding the child from groups

Online gaming chats


For children, these incidents can cause anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, and serious emotional stress.


Common Forms of Online Harassment Faced by Children

1. Cyberbullying & Name-Calling

Repeated insults, mocking physical appearance, caste/religion slurs, or abusive comments.

2. Impersonation / Fake Profiles

Creating a fake account using the child’s photos or name to defame or cheat others.

3. Cyberstalking


Constantly monitoring, messaging, or threatening the child online.

4. Sharing Private Photos/Videos

Posting or forwarding images without consent—highly punishable under POCSO & IT Act.

5. Gaming-Related Abuse

Harassment during online games: abusive voice chats, threats, or blackmail.


Legal Protections for Children in India


India has strong laws to protect minors from cybercrimes. Key Acts include:

1. Information Technology Act, 2000

Section 66A / 66D – Sending offensive messages, cheating by impersonation

Section 67 & 67B – Publishing or transmitting obscene content involving children

Section 66E – Violation of privacy


2. Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Section 354A / 354D – Online stalking & sexual harassment

Section 503 / 507 – Criminal intimidation, anonymous threats

Section 499 / 500 – Online defamation


3. POCSO Act, 2012 (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act)

Any sexual content, messages, images, or exploitation involving a child (below 18) is a serious criminal offence.



What Parents Should Do Immediately


1. Save All Evidence

Take screenshots of chats, comments, profiles, images, caller IDs, etc.

2. Do Not Delete Messages

They may be needed for police investigation.

3. Block and Report the Abuser

Use “Report” features on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, gaming apps, etc.

4. Contact Cyber Cell

You can directly file a complaint at:


National Cyber Crime Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in

Choose the category: Report Crimes Related to Women & Children.

5. Approach the Police Station

Even without knowing the accused, parents can file an FIR under IT Act + POCSO.



How Beylr Legal Consulting Supports Families

At Beylr Legal Consulting, we guide parents through every step:

Filing cybercrime complaints

Preparing evidence properly

Sending legal notices

Assisting in FIR registration

Ensuring POCSO protections

Liaising with police and cyber cells

Handling cases of online impersonation, extortion, and harassment


We ensure swift action to safeguard the child’s mental, emotional, and legal wellbeing.







Preventive Tips for Parents & Children


For Parents:

Keep communication open—let the child feel safe sharing problems.

Monitor social media & gaming activity without invading privacy.

Use parental control tools.

Know the apps your child uses.



For Children:

Never share personal details with strangers.

Do not accept unknown friend requests.

Report anything uncomfortable immediately.

Avoid clicking suspicious links.

Do not respond to bullies.


Conclusion


Digital spaces can be safe and empowering for children—when backed by awareness, vigilant parenting, and strong legal action. Cyberbullying and online harassment are punishable crimes in India, and no child should suffer in silence.

If your child is facing any form of online abuse, Beylr Legal Consulting is here to help with confidential and professional legal support.



Contact 

Beylr Legal Consulting:

Csm Nagar, Vazhuthacaud

Trivandrum 695010

8089792550, 04713552750

beylrtvm@gmail.com

www.beylr.com




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