The Digital Danger: Telangana Police Launches Guidebook to Protect Children from Cybercrime

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-29 09:40:01 |

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With cybercrimes and online harassment targeting children on the rise, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has introduced a comprehensive parental guidebook aimed at safeguarding young internet users.

Unveiled during the Telangana State Police annual press meet, the handbook offers parents vital resources to enhance online safety. It provides guidance on enabling parental controls across social media and gaming platforms, fostering open discussions about digital security, and recognizing signs of cyberbullying.

As cyber harassment increasingly affects teen mental health, the police urged parents to document evidence—such as screenshots—and use in-app reporting tools to address abusive behavior. They were also advised to remain vigilant for behavioral shifts, such as mood swings or withdrawal, and to escalate severe cases by contacting law enforcement through the 1930 helpline or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

The guidebook emphasizes setting age-appropriate digital boundaries, such as internet curfews, screen-free zones, and establishing rules that evolve with a child’s maturity. It also stresses the importance of parental role modeling in responsible technology use to encourage healthy digital habits in children.

Addressing key risks like cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and exposure to harmful content, the handbook recommends activating ‘Family Centre’ on Instagram for comment and privacy settings management. Parents can also restrict content through YouTube Kids and track viewing history. Given the increasing spread of offensive content on X (formerly Twitter), the police advise enabling sensitive content filters, muting offensive words, and restricting direct messages.

Regarding Snapchat, officials warned that disappearing messages could create a false sense of security. They suggested that parents activate ‘Family Center’ to monitor their teen’s friend list and manage privacy settings. The handbook also provides a step-by-step guide to setting up parental controls on gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.

Beyond practical tips, the guidebook highlights key legal protections for children under laws such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Section 64 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha (BNS), and the Information Technology Act, 2000. These laws criminalize offenses like child pornography, online grooming, unauthorized sharing of private images, and cyberstalking.

By equipping parents with digital literacy and legal knowledge, Telangana Police aims to create a safer online space for children and empower families to respond effectively to cyber threats.

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