Cyber-bullying of Children: Impacts and Deterrent Measures in India

Abstract

With technological advancement, the use of the internet has also impacted the lives of children as they can connect with people around the world through social media platforms, emails, etc., with one click of a button. These also negatively impact their lives as they are vulnerable to more criminal offences. One of such offences against children is cyberbullying or online bullying. It is a form of bullying that intentionally harms the reputation and privacy of any person and threatens and harasses through the electronic medium. However, bullying is a problem that has existed in society since time immemorial. However, cyber bullying is a recent and more severe form of bullying than the traditional physical and verbal bullying; as the impact of such crime lasts long in the lives of children. The paper aims to introduce the concept of cyberbullying, its types, reasons, and psychological effects on children. It also covers the legal provisions available under the Criminal Laws and Information Technology Act for cyberbullying related to protection of children in India. It also discusses cyberbullying laws prevailing in the U.K. and U.S.A. This Article highlights the initiatives and strategies taken by the Government, Schools, etc. to deal with such bullying in India.