National Alliance against Online Child Sexual Abuse

Why in news?

The Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India is to form a National Alliance against Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

What is the need?

• Child sexual abuse is a multi-layered problem which negatively impacts children’s safety, health and well-being.
• It is associated with long-term physical, psychological, and emotional harm.
• It is now finding new forms and channels through mobile and digital technologies.
• Online child abuse and exploitation amplifies existing forms of offline bullying, stalking and harassment.
• It also facilitates the sexual exploitation of children through the production and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials and by facilitating the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children.
• Online abuse knows no national boundaries.

What are the objectives of National Alliance?

India has a comprehensive legal framework for protection of child rights in the form of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, POCSO Act, 2012 along with RTE Act 2009 and recently amended Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2106.

But there is limited awareness of online risks for children, both among parents and guardian and children themselves,

Therefore National alliance is aimed at,

• Developing a comprehensive outreach system to engage parents, schools, communities, NGO partners and local governments as well as police and lawyers to ensure better implementation of the legal framework, policies, national strategies and standards.

• Bringing a common definition of child pornography including amendment of acts (Information technology Act, POCSO Act).
• Setting up a multi-member secretariat based in MWCD with a portal inclusive of a hotline for reporting and strengthening existing service delivery systems.
• Providing a platform for Government/ NGOs and other child rights activists for networking and information sharing.
• Documenting and showcasing success stories and best practices in terms of prevention of online abuse and exploitation of children.
• Creating awareness among member organisations, parents, teachers, front line service providers and children.

Category: Mains | GS-II | Social justice

Source: PIB