A world turning digital should not just have the traditional concept of physical good touch and bad touch, the minors should also be taught about virtual touch.
May 6, 2024 2024-07-05 10:23A world turning digital should not just have the traditional concept of physical good touch and bad touch, the minors should also be taught about virtual touch.
A world turning digital should not just have the traditional concept of physical good touch and bad touch, the minors should also be taught about virtual touch.
By Jeevak Mukherjee
The Delhi High Court’s recent ruling has underscored the imperative to expand the scope of personal safety education for minors beyond the conventional teachings of “good touch” and “bad touch,” to encompass the modern concept of “virtual touch” within the digital realm. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the case, emphasized the critical necessity of arming minors with the requisite knowledge and tools to navigate the online interactions safely and responsibly. In her remarks, Justice Sharma elucidated that while traditional approaches to safeguarding minors primarily focused on physical safety education, the advent of the digital age mandates a comprehensive integration of “virtual touch” education into the academic curriculum.
The notion of “virtual touch” encapsulates a broad spectrum of online interactions that have the potential to induce feelings of discomfort, vulnerability, or coercion in individuals. Justice Sharma underscored the significance of recognizing and addressing these virtual hazards, urging educational institutions, legal authorities, and other concerned stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives aimed at raising awareness among minors. She stressed the importance of organizing workshops, programs, and seminars to disseminate knowledge about the risks associated with virtual touch and equip minors with the necessary skills to navigate online spaces securely.
The impetus behind the court’s decision stemmed from a distressing case involving a minor who fell victim to the perils of online predation. The victim, allegedly abducted via a social media application, endured traumatic experiences of sexual assault, serving as a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers lurking in virtual environments. Justice Sharma’s remarks sought to underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate such risks. Central to the concept of educating minors about virtual touch is the emphasis on fostering responsible online behavior and cultivating a keen awareness of potential predatory tactics. Minors must be adept at recognizing warning signs indicative of malicious intent and understand the paramount importance of implementing robust privacy settings and delineating clear online boundaries. Justice Sharma emphasized that just as children are taught to exercise caution in their physical interactions, they must also develop critical thinking skills to discern the credibility of online contacts and safeguard their personal information effectively.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s ruling signifies a pivotal step towards fortifying the safety net for minors in the digital age. By advocating for the incorporation of virtual touch education into the academic curriculum and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the court endeavors to empower minors with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate online spaces securely. In an era characterized by pervasive digital connectivity, safeguarding the well-being of minors demands a proactive and concerted effort to address the evolving landscape of virtual interactions comprehensively.
Case: Kamlesh Devi vs. State of NCT Delhi, Delhi High Court
Citation: Bail Appln. 216 of 2024
