GROWING UP ONLINE: SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN’S RIGHT IN DIGITAL PLAYGROUND

AUTHOR – SUMIT PANDEY, STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

BEST CITATION – SUMIT PANDEY, GROWING UP ONLINE: SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN’S RIGHT IN DIGITAL PLAYGROUND, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (8) OF 2025, PG. 750-763, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

In the digital era , the use of internet for study , recreation and social interaction is growing among children. This connectedness has many advantages but it also create problems that disproportionately harm children owing their fragility and ignorance. Cyberbullying, Online Gaming, Data abuse , AI generated deepfakes and hazardous material pose are several examples which are harmful to children and it requires urgent legal , technical and social remedies.

This article critically analyse the global and Indian child’s rights and safeguard in the digital world and also examines how UNCRC , Information Technology Act 2000, Protection of Children form Sexual Offence 2012 and Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 deals with these challenges. This article  also examine the landmark case laws , Policy gaps and current issue like AI and misinformation. Alongwith, from child- centric view, this article discuss the need for balanced strategy & regulations which protects children’s right to access information and express themselves online while preserving their safety , privacy and dignity. A systematic change includes legal protection, ethical digital practices , public awareness and education.

Keywords: Children, Privacy, child’s safety, Artificial intelligence,