Internet in India has seen a phenomenal growth in last 17 years but the country has a long way to go to bring itself at par with the global average.
According to the State of the World’s Children report 2017, India’s internet usage rose from 0.53 percent of the population in 2000 to nearly 30 percent in 2016 which is still far below the global average of 48 percent.
The report released by UNICEF noted that the reach of the worldwide web is hindered by various factors including poverty, race, ethnicity, disability, displacement or geographic isolation. It stressed the need for bridging the digital divide by creating a level playing field for everyone.
Indian Express
Gender parity
The report also highlighted the huge gender divide in India over the usage of internet. Globally, 12 percent more men used the internet than women in 2017. But in India, only 29 percent of internet users are female, it said.
Language barrier
The report also underlined the huge language barrier that needs to be overcome. The report said that just 10 languages accounted for the majority of websites, with 56 percent of them in English till 2016. “In a world where 56% of websites are in English, many children cannot find the content they understand or that’s relevant to their lives. Many also lack the skills as well as the access to devices like laptops that would allow them to make the most of online opportunities,” it added.
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Impediment to jobs
The report stated that studies from the United States, Australia, Tunisia and India show that adults without any experience in information and communication technology, even if employed, were likely to earn less.
Safe Usage
Abetting violence
The access to internet has raised serious questions over about the harmful use of technology and its impact on masses.
Citing example of Myanmar, where widespread violence against Rohingyas was witnessed recently, the report said, “Digital technology can enable or abet… violence on a massive scale that affects lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of children
Protection from online abuse
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Mere access to the web is not enough, children should be aware enough to not fall victim to anonymous and unprotected social media profiles, it said.
With one in three internet users being under the age of 18, the report stressed on the need of teaching safe online behaviours to children- protecting one’s identity, knowing what to share and what not to share online, not getting in touch with strangers, and refraining from using abusive language. With the advent of new technologies such as the dark web and cryptocurrencies which encourage streaming of child sexual abuse and trafficking, it’s imperative for kids to be extra cautious.
While 23% people between the ages of 13 and 24 disliked violence on the internet and 33% disliked unwanted sexual content, according to a poll conducted by the report that received 63,000 responses.
Psychological problems
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Underlining that the overuse of internet may have serious implications, the report said, “While those with strong social and familial relationships are likely to use the internet to bolster these relationships — leading to improved well-being — children experiencing loneliness, stress, depression or problems at home, for example, may find that the internet compounds some of these existing difficulties.”
The report, however, noted that it should not be the reason to restrict the child’s digital use rather, safe practices should be encouraged.
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Overuse of Smartphones
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The report also struck a cautionary note over the usage of smartphones by children. “Smartphones are fuelling a ‘bedroom culture’, with online access for many children becoming more personal, more private and less supervised. More attentive and supportive mediation by parents and educators holds the most promise for enabling children to draw maximum benefit and minimum risk from connectivity,” it said.
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