Bengaluru: In the post-COVID digital shift, the use of electronic devices and internet among children has surged, with a worrying 42% reportedly experiencing sexual harassment from their online acquaintances, according to a recent study.

The study, commissioned by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, was presented during a workshop at Vikasa Soudha, where Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti assured action and a legislative discussion on the matter.

With children now more active online than on playgrounds or in classrooms, many have personal social media accounts and participate in gaming and chat rooms, making them vulnerable to cyber criminals.

Among children aged 15–18, around 25% use mobile phones multiple times a day, and 80% use them regularly for communication. Nearly half spend more than an hour daily on mobile devices.

The report found that 16% of adolescents have developed online friendships with strangers, with 10% having met them in person. Notably, 4% of girls and 12% of boys admitted to meeting strangers. Among them, 9% are from urban areas and 12% from rural regions.

What the study shows
Children across all age groups now commonly use mobile phones and laptops. According to parents, 42% of children have faced sexual abuse from online friends, often leading to harassment and grooming. Alarmingly, 1% of children have shared private photos or videos with strangers.

Among children aged 8–11, 87% use online platforms, while among those aged 15–18, 99% of boys and 100% of girls are internet users. Half of this age group increased their online activity post-COVID. Rather than playing outside after class, 72% reportedly spend their break time online.

YouTube is used by 97% of children aged 12–14, while 92% are on WhatsApp and 73% regularly use search engines.