THE UNVEILING OF THE DARK DIGITAL SHADOWS

 THE UNVEILING OF THE DARK DIGITAL SHADOWS

 

In a tech-driven world where connectivity is paramount, a dark reality lurks beneath the surface, which we as a society conveniently sweep beneath the carpet. The growing cases of sexual abuse of children and the rampant surge in online bullying in a city like New Delhi is the scourge that we should fight against now. It demands our urgent action. As a journalist of an esteemed organisation, I must shed light on these urgent issues that can no longer be put on the back burner. It is looting our youngsters of their innocence and peace of mind.

 

The internet, with all its advantages, has now become a fertile ground for lurking predators out to exploit vulnerable children. With the anonymity afforded by online platforms, these perpetrators lurk in the shadows, preying on helpless, gullible minors through social media, online gaming and other modern digital spaces. They indulge in abuse, coercion, blackmail and torture of young children, leaving behind a lasting trauma and sickening side effects that can last a lifetime.

 

The rise of online bullying in metros such as Delhi brings into focus the predicament of youngsters who are subjected to untold harassment, ridicule, humiliation, abuse and torture. Cyberbullies use digital mediums to gang up on vulnerable children and unleash a volley of abuse, threats, and hurtful and vulgar comments that affect youngsters psychologically. The anonymity of the internet and modern digital platforms encourages the perpetrators, who realise they can get away with such cruel acts. There is no regulating mechanism, and we ignore the child's distress signals as they do not affect us.

 

As a decent, civilised, conscientious and compassionate society, it is high time we wake up to this menace. If today someone else’s child is suffering, tomorrow it might be your very own. Law enforcement agencies should do their job and identify online predators who use advanced technologies to prey on children. God only knows how many more lives will be lost before the government, law enforcement agencies, and the collective society at large will wake up to this pressing challenge of the times we live in. Children are not empowered to deal with the challenges posed in their lives.

 

Modern digital platforms should raise their hand and come forward and take responsibility for regulating what goes on in their platforms. Strict moderation and checks should be done to identify and punish predators.

 

Parents, educators and caregivers should be sensitive and understand the problems the child is facing when dealing with such menace. Children have nowhere to seek help when they encounter abusive behaviour online daily.

 

Everyone is responsible and should do their best to uphold justice. For, as they say, “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Report and bring to the authorities where you find cases of cyberbullying and harassment. Don’t wait for the problem to knock at your door. Be a responsible citizen, act now, and do your part to create a safe Delhi where every child can thrive, free from fear of exploitation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THE STUDY TABLE

    THE STUDY TABLE   ABHISHEK MUKHOPADHYAY.   A middle-aged man full of vigor and enthusiasm in his salad days Put his back-pack on his study table And stretched up blooming and energetic He put his smartphone with earphones on the study table He put his wallet laden with his knick-knacks on there too.   On there he put the voice of his dead mother There he put the scars of the surgeries he had undergone On that table his first peck and his latest The bunch of back stabbing snake friends And the other good friends who helped him an hour ago.   On there he put the recipe of his favorite family poppy seed dish The brightness of the table lamp The rhythmic sound of the steel wrist watch gifted by his sister The latest thriller by Stephen King with a catchy bookmark inside He put that on the table.   The haunting tune of Eric Clapton’s song “My Father’s Eyes” And the inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” And put that on the table Reaching out through the window, He grabbed the moon And pu
Read more

MEMORIES OF SCHOOL DAYS

Image
    MEMORIES OF MY DAYS AT ST. EDMUND’S SCHOOL   Nestled among the hills, ours was an Irish Christian Missionary School. It was founded by Edmund Ignatius Rice, a great missionary and educationist. The story goes that he belonged to a family of tenants who were into farming. When tragedy struck, and his wife died, he was left alone to care for his daughter with special needs. He sold his elegant house, moved into a stable, and opened his first school. Today, about 800 Christian Brothers in 28 countries run prestigious Edmund Rice educational institutions and follow in his footsteps.   St. Edmunds School had colossal buildings built by the Irish Brothers amidst picturesque settings. The school had three large play fields. It also had a very tranquil and very quaint chapel. Prayers were offered here in the serene atmosphere. The classrooms were spacious, roomy, and airy, with a giant blackboard in front. An intercom was fixed in the top corner of each class, through which our Principal B
Read more

3 THINGS DAVID GOGGINS TEACHES.

  3 THINGS DAVID GOGGINS TEACHES   Growing up he was raised by a single mother, he battled racism, bullying, ill-health, poverty, and the unending struggle with obesity. He turned his life around to become an icon of the US Armed Forces. What can this ex-US Navy Seal, an ultra-marathon cyclist, and runner, a public speaker, an author of two memoirs, a Guinness World Record holder: nicknamed “the toughest man alive” or the “World’s toughest Man”, who fell in love with suffering teach you? Well, plenty but here let’s look at three valuable lessons he teaches.   Imagine having a learning disability and repeatedly failing in your exams. When learning can be the most difficult and dreaded thing in the world? Well, in his book “Can’t Hurt Me” Goggins talks about how his mother when she realized he was serious about the Air Force, hired a tutor for him to help him figure out a system that he could use to learn. Well, the tutor after assessing him told him in jest that the only way he was ever
Read more