48 percent adolescents exhibited internet addiction during Delhi survey

During the study, the surveyors found out that out of all, 93 percent of children have internet access and, 48 percent exhibit the symptoms of internet addiction.

A study conducted by the non-profit Child Rights and You reveals that in the time where everything is digital, one out of every three adolescents has had negative experiences online.

The non-profit organisation conducted a survey with 630 school-going adolescents of 13 to 18 years of age-group belonging to urban and rural areas of Delhi-NCR to observe the addiction patterns and online safety among adolescents.

During the study, the surveyors found out that out of all, 93 percent of children have internet access and, 48 percent exhibit the symptoms of internet addiction. According to the survey, a large number of boys are exposed to the internet as compared to girls. The majority of children who are addicted to the internet are boys. 59 percent of girls have social media accounts, however, almost 80 percent of boys are active on social media.

While talking about the study, CRY’s regional director, Soha Moitra expressed that excessive exposure of under-age children to the internet is a case of serious concern. While exposure to the cyberspace opens up multiple growths and learning opportunities but such extensive exposure raises concerns over online safety.

The study also revealed the careless attitude of children while using the internet. According to the survey, two out of every five underage users accept friend requests from strangers/ friends of friends and become vulnerable to cyberstalking, identity theft, sexual predation, and cyberbullying. Only 50 percent of the total adolescents report the cases of seeing morphed videos or images. 

The survey conducted by CRY has raised an alarm. it has become a responsibility of the parents to keep an eye on the children while exposing them to cyberspace. Keeping a check on children's activity on the internet is a need of time. 

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