Social media: a child’s play ground?

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Facebook and Twitter are the chosen grounds for many to express their thoughts, showcase their opinion and access the world around. YouTube stands as a favourite platform to showcase one’s activities or see others’ activities. All of these allure people belonging to different ages right from the age group of 13. Why 13? The High court of Delhi, India has raised a very valid question, which came up in the public interest litigation filed by former BJP leader K.N. Govindacharya.(see http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/illegal-for-minors-to-open-facebook-account-petition/article4654571.ece?homepage=true). Popular social media like the Facebook, Twitter etc are hosted in the US and the age limit has been set by the rules and regulations of the hosting nation. But in India the age of majority is restricted to 18. This is the valid age for voting, to get a proper driver license, to get married (for girls especially) and to form a contract. But in reality, all these norms are violated in different ways; for example, there are umpteen numbers of child marriages still happening in various interior parts of India; driving light vehicles to even heavy vehicles by children belonging to the age group of 13 to 18 are neither uncommon scene. The flaunting of disobeying the ‘age law’ is now more prominent after the 9 year old Ferrari driver was hugely exhibited in a private road in Kochi, Kerala through YouTube(see http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Kerala-father-arrested-for-letting-9-year-old-boy-drive-his-Ferrari/Article1-1052503.aspx . The YouTube exhibition drew attention of large number of people including the police and the father of the 9 year old is now being prosecuted. Regarding the contract by juveniles, S.11 of the Indian contract Act maintains that contracts made by minors are void especially when it relates to profit making by both or either of the party.

But when it comes to creating an account in the popular social media, the confusion of understanding demands better reading. Facebook, Twitter and Google have options for children to become users once they become 13. But in reality, children below 13 also find Facebook, Twitter and YouTube extremely alluring and I have personally seen many parents encouraging their children to communicate to their friends through parent’s profiles. This is also evident from the Base Line Survey report of cyber victimisation in India that we had conducted in 2010( seehttp://www.cybervictims.org/CCVCresearchreport2010.pdf) . Given this fact, when over 13, children actually become pretty much aware of the Facebook usages. But it may be noted that Facebook does not allow registering when the user is below 13. It is similar for Google and Twitter. However, , many under age children may have their profiles with fake age as these social media do not have real life age verification methods. But the concern lies in the fact as to what the children can access through these social media. There are many unclaimed images which often go viral in the social media. Greatest examples could be that of Delhi gang rape victim’s photo or that of children being raped. These are not only traumatising for children only, they create shock for adult viewers also. Similarly, older adolescent children are at higher risk for becoming cyber perpetrators like hacking. Many older children have also got into creating fake profiles of others, especially girls and adult women as well.

But not to ignore the advantages of social media also. Government as well as non-governmental educational portals, scientific bodies etc embrace Facebook and Twitter for showcasing latest news and developments. A matured handling of the social media can make a user gain more knowledge and experience. Undoubtedly, this depends upon the parents, teachers and peers to make the child use the social media for good. The Ferrari boy YouTube incidence stands a good example for the parents as well as children as how much parental control and guidance is necessary, what should not be allowed by parents and what should be done with internet era children and how it should be done. But at the same time, the video can actually make many under-age children take the same steps to do illegal activities if they are access the video without proper parental guidance. Perhaps here lies the concern of the Delhi High court. But the society has to accept the growing level of maturity and responsibility of children as well. Let us hope that the Delhi High court case brings out a good judgement which sets a path breaking example of welfare judgement in the light of modern internet era.

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