Synopsis
India has achieved a top position in a global digital well-being index, scoring 67 out of 100. This reflects a strong relationship between parents and teenagers amidst rising online safety concerns. The report highlights impressive parental engagement and a significant need for awareness about online threats.Key Takeaways
- India's score of 67 indicates strong digital well-being.
- 58% of respondents are satisfied with their online experiences.
- Parental monitoring has increased to 70%.
- High rates of online threats, such as sextortion, are reported.
- Widespread lack of legal awareness regarding explicit content involving minors.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) In the face of increasing worries regarding online safety, India has emerged as a leader on a global digital well-being index, achieving a score of 67 out of 100. This score indicates a robust sense of trust and support between parents and teenagers, as highlighted in a report released on Monday.
The nation excels in online satisfaction, with 58 percent of participants expressing happiness with their digital experiences, surpassing 53 percent in the US and 42 percent in the UK, according to findings by Snap Inc.
India demonstrates the most substantial support networks for young individuals, with respondents identifying 9 to 12 sources of guidance, including parents, teachers, and mentors.
Despite this, 78 percent of Indian Gen Z users reported seeking support from others, an increase from 65 percent in 2023, the report noted.
There has been a rise in parental involvement, with 70 percent of parents frequently monitoring their teens' online activities, up from 62 percent in the previous year.
However, Indian Gen Z users also reported the highest incidents of online threats, such as sextortion and grooming.
Approximately 71 percent of Indian Gen Z respondents indicated they had been targeted for sextortion, with 55 percent falling victim, as the report elaborated.
Additionally, 77 percent reported losing control over intimate images they had shared, with 80 percent of these incidents involving minors aged 13-17.
Furthermore, 60 percent of respondents experienced grooming, with more than half being minors.
A significant issue is the lack of awareness regarding the legal consequences of sharing explicit content featuring minors.
The report revealed that 52 percent of respondents mistakenly thought that failing to report such content was legal, the highest rate among all surveyed nations.
Moreover, 36 percent believed it was lawful to share and view such images, while 39 percent thought storing them online was permitted, as per the findings.
