#WebSafeAndWise

Ensuring a safer web for children

Globally, every half second, a child goes online for the first time. With more than 200,000 children connecting with the internet daily, contributing to a global total of approximately 800 million children actively participating in social media platforms. In recent years, India has seen a great advancement in digital technology usage and last-mile connectivity. Although this has brought about positive opportunities for children with access to information, learning resources, and expanded opportunities for social engagement, it comes with risks. As children are spending more time online, they are vulnerable to unknown threats that may compromise their safety and well-being. Cybercrimes committed against children witnessed a sharp rise of more than 400 percent in 2020 from those committed in 2019 reported National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 2021. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg; many cases go unreported. Online violence targeting children can take place in many forms and can be perpetrated by both adults and children. It can have a significant impact on its victims in the physical world just as in the online space. ChildFund has launched the WebSafeAndWise initiative to address the risks emerging in the digital environment while enabling children and young people to become effective digital citizens. #WebSafeAndWise campaign focuses on:

Raising awareness about online crimes targeting children, helping children, parents, and communities recognize potential risks.
Strengthening mechanisms to report and address online crimes, ensuring swift action can be taken to protect children.
Fostering a safe and supportive online space where children can confidently explore the internet, free from fear and harm.

Odisha joins #WebSafeAndWise

Continuing our mission to safeguard children’s interests online, we launched the #WebSafeAndWise campaign in Odisha in partnership with the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) and support from the Govt. of Odisha, including the State Department of Health, the State Department of School and Mass Education, the State Department of Women and Child Development, and the Odisha Police Department. We also released a training manual for the trainers and children to help reinforce their knowledge of online safety.

‘Safe Web For Children’ Program launched in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has the highest number of children internet users. It also has one of the highest rates of crimes against children. To safeguard the digital experiences of children in Maharashtra, ChildFund India has successfully launched the #WebSafeAndWise campaign in partnership with the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) and support from the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra.

This initiative has laid a strong foundation for ChildFund India’s ongoing efforts to foster a safer web for every child in Maharashtra.

The event brought together stakeholders from the Maharashtra Police Department, government officials, tech companies, civil society organizations, the media, children representatives and parents.

Collaboratively fostering a safer web for children

ChildFund India organized a National Stakeholders Meet-Commemorating Safer Internet Day 2024. The event’s goal was to bring together stakeholders across sectors including children and youth with a shared understanding of children’s web safety. Throughout the session, participants shared experiences and knowledge gained new perspectives, discussed challenges and potential ways forward.

#WebSafeAndWise Campaign launched in Karnataka

The Launch & Stakeholder Meet on Prevention of Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC) in Karnataka marked a significant milestone. The initiative aims to raise awareness among children, parents, educators, and communities and to create a safer digital space for children.

Joining hands to tackle Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children

On 29 May 2023, ChildFund India and Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) Government of Karnataka joined hands to combat Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC).

Facts

Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 21,509 cases of online child sexual exploitation and abuse were recorded in 2020 alone.
According to the McAfee Corp data from 2022, 22% of Indian children had at some point been a victim of cyberbullying.
Interpol’s (2021) report states that 116,000 searches are made every day related to “Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAMs)”.
106% increase in reports of suspected child sexual exploitation to its global CyberTipline during the pandemic in India – National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 2021