Delhi High Court Calls for Incorporating “Digital Awareness” in Education to Safeguard Minors on Social Media

The Delhi High Court, in a recent case (Kamlesh Devi v State of NCT of Delhi & Anr), highlighted the inadequacy of solely relying on the conventional teachings of ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ to protect minors from the perils of the virtual realm. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma emphasized the necessity of educating minors about the concept of ‘virtual touch’ to fortify their safety in the digital domain.

Expanding on the notion of ‘virtual touch,’ the Court underscored the importance of instilling in minors a comprehensive understanding of appropriate online conduct, discerning warning signals of predatory behaviour, and grasping the significance of privacy settings and digital boundaries. Drawing parallels with real-world cautions, the Court stressed the imperative of equipping children with critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility of online interactions and shield their data.

In light of these concerns, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma urged pertinent stakeholders to integrate educational material on ‘virtual touch’ and its associated risks into school curricula. Furthermore, the Court advocated for a proactive approach, calling upon institutions such as schools, colleges, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, and the Delhi Judicial Academy to organize programs, workshops, and conferences. These initiatives would not only address traditional concepts of physical boundaries but also delve into the emerging landscape of ‘virtual touch’ and its potential hazards.

In essence, the Court’s directive serves as a clarion call for a holistic educational approach, bridging the gap between offline and online safety protocols to safeguard the well-being of minors in an increasingly digitized world.

The Court noted that in the contemporary digital era, where virtual platforms serve as arenas for purported romantic interactions among adolescents, teenagers often lack the necessary tools to navigate the inherent risks, including human trafficking for exploitative purposes such as prostitution and other associated crimes prevalent in the virtual sphere.

Justice Sharma issued this directive in response to a petition brought forth by an individual identified as Kamlesh Devi, who stands accused in a case involving the alleged abduction of a 16-year-old girl.