Juvenile Crimes In Social Networking And Mass Media | Criminal Law for Judiciary Exams PDF Download

Introduction

In recent decades, there has been a notable rise in crimes committed by individuals under 18 years of age. To address this issue, the government introduced the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2015. This act aims to consolidate and amend laws related to children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection, ensuring their fundamental needs are met.

Delinquency

The term "Juvenile Delinquents" or "Children in Conflict with the Law" refers to individuals below 18 years old who have encountered the juvenile justice system due to either committing a crime or being suspected of doing so.

Mass media

Mass media encompasses various forms of communication such as television, radio, advertising, movies, the Internet, newspapers, and magazines. These channels play a crucial role in disseminating information to the public.

Social network 

Social network sites are online platforms that enable individuals to connect and interact with others through networking. Examples of social networks include Google, Facebook, and Twitter, which facilitate communication and the sharing of information among users.

Relationship Between Social Networks and Children

Influence of Social Networking on Children

• Children are easily influenced by social networking platforms like Facebook, where many minors sign up before the age of 13 with fake birthdates.
• Statistics reveal that 81% of children in India aged 8-16 are active on social media, compared to 70% in the US and Singapore.
• Excessive use of social networks not only enhances knowledge but also contributes to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness, potentially leading to criminal behavior.

Statistics on Juvenile Crimes

• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, crimes committed by juveniles in major cities show varying percentages, with Mumbai at 12%, Bengaluru at 7.5%, and Kolkata at 0.5%.

Risks Associated with Social Media Use

• Popular networking sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and others have experienced significant growth, influencing children's behavior.
• Authors like Joe Lieberman and Jeff McIntyre argue that media exposure can lead to increased violence and crimes among youth.

Issues Related to Crimes Committed by Children

• Cyber Bullying and Online Harassment: Deliberate use of digital platforms to spread false or hostile information about others.
• Sexting: Sharing explicit images or content via digital devices.
• Facebook Depression: Development of depressive symptoms due to excessive social media usage.
• Privacy Concerns and Digital Footprint: Risks associated with sharing personal information online, leading to privacy violations.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constantly checking media feeds and engaging in trends, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and depression.
• Media's Role in Child Abuse and Child Pornography: Involvement of media in instances of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Cases

Bluewhale Attack

• The Blue Whale Challenge, originating from Russia, deeply impacted Indian youth, particularly teenagers, leading to fatal consequences.
• Participants were assigned daily tasks over 50 days, starting with seemingly harmless activities like watching horror movies and progressing to more dangerous tasks.
• The final task on the 50th day instructed participants to take their own lives.

Minor on Pubg

• PUBG, a popular online game, has been associated with various criminal incidents globally.
• An incident involved a 15-year-old boy assaulting his older brother with scissors after being interrupted while playing PUBG.

Murder of Tik-Tok Celebrity

• Several young individuals were apprehended for the murder of TikTok celebrity Mohit Mor in a bustling market in New Delhi.
• Mohit Mor's tragic death shed light on the potential dangers of social media fame and its repercussions.

Preventive Measures

By Legislative

• Rajya Sabha Committee proposes mandatory apps on all devices and filters to control children's exposure to pornographic content.
• The POCSO Act of 2012 includes a provision that considers advocating or counseling sexual activities with individuals under 18 years a punishable offense through various mediums like written material, visual representations, or audio recordings.
• The Union Government is mandated to block and prohibit websites and intermediaries hosting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

CERT-In Responsibilities

CERT-In, established in 2004, operates as a government agency for IT and focuses on several key activities:

1. Protecting Indian cyberspace and software infrastructure against destructive and hacking activities.
2. Responding to computer security incidents, reporting vulnerabilities, and promoting effective IT security practices nationwide.
3. Issuing guidelines, vulnerability notes, advisories, and whitepapers on information security best practices, prevention measures, response protocols, and reporting cyber threats.

Legal Provisions in India

• No child in conflict with the law in India can receive a death sentence or life imprisonment without the possibility of release, regardless of the offense committed, as per Section 21 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• If a juvenile aged between 16 and 18 commits a heinous offense, they may face a maximum imprisonment term of 14 years.

Conclusion

• Safeguarding children from the potential harms of social media requires the collaborative effort of parents, the government, and educators.
• Implementing age verification mechanisms on social media platforms can help control the installation and usage of apps by minors.
• Technological advancements such as face recognition can offer additional layers of security and verification for children online.
• Parents are advised to maintain a friendly and open relationship with their children to facilitate communication about online activities.
• Monitoring applications like Net Nanny and Web Watcher can assist parents in overseeing their children's online interactions discreetly.