Unveiling the Dark Side of the Internet: Cyber Harassment among Children and Its Consequences

Description

Page: 81-86

K. Sanjay Kumar Gurudin and Purnima Awasthi (Department of Psychology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)

No doubt the internet is a place of infinite wonders and yields numerous opportunities and benefits for children regarding its impact on their educational attainment. However, it has also exposed children to very serious dangers (modern age crimes) that defy age, geographic location, and other boundaries, unlike in the real world. This study explores the prevalence and impact of cyber harassment among children and adolescents, highlighting key factors such as digital literacy, parental supervision, and internet usage patterns. The findings reveal that many children lack awareness of online risks, making them vulnerable to cyber threats like bullying, blackmail, and privacy breaches. Gender and rural-urban disparities further influence exposure to harassment, with girls and rural children facing higher risks. The psychological effects range from fear and humiliation to anxiety and depression, emphasizing the need for intervention. To address these issues, the study recommends enhanced digital literacy programs, more substantial parental involvement, improved cybersecurity policies, and accessible mental health support to create a safer online environment for young users.