As social media usage among minors soars, experts are increasingly emphasising the need for comprehensive understanding of potential risks involved, with an alarming average of 20 cases per month being reported in Hyderabad commissionerate alone related to privacy breaches, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. “In this digital era, it is mandatory for the child to use technology as part of their education, so it is the parent and the teacher who ensure that the child is safe,” said Devika Rani K. of Amrita Foundation Society.
She said digital literacy courses have to be conducted for children. “If the child under 16 years is exposed to social media, there are chances for cyber bullying. Constant updates about one's personal life should be avoided where one is giving away too much information to the predators.
Because of constant hooking on to the gadget, they fail to have communication skills. It also affects the brain and social isolation is another challenge they face. Unfortunately, Usage of the internet is a double-edged sword,” she explained.
“There is also no parental control on what the content the kids are watching. The online platforms too once read the algorithms of the views and interests, it gives the same content repeatedly,” the psychologist said. In the name of privacy, Devika said a child gets a separate room, and gadgets in the room will allow more room for the children to get exposed to such content.
Devika also said the longer children pres.