Juvenile Cyber Delinquency: A Study Of Trends And Triggers
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 15
- 1 min read
Vartika Mishra, Research Scholar, School of Legal Studies, Sangam University, Bhilwara.
Dr. Vishwadeepak Bhatnagar, Emeritus Professor, School of Legal Studies, Sangam University, Bhilwara
ABSTRACT
The rapid growth in digital technology in India poses a twofold challenge: vast potential for "digital natives" and growing threats of cybercrime. This research paper examines the multifaceted drivers and routes into cyber delinquency among Indian juveniles. Based on recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), scholarly works, and case studies, it identifies major psychological, sociological, economic, educational, and technological determinants of these behaviours. The research sheds light on a remarkable increase in cybercrimes against children and stresses the pressing need to view juveniles as both victims and offenders. Though India's legal statutes, in particular the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, set a focus on rehabilitation, the paper lays bare crucial loopholes in existing interventions, such as poor infrastructure, the absence of specialized care, and ongoing societal stigmatization. Based on these findings, this paper suggests a series of evidence-based proposals aimed at holistic digital literacy, rehabilitation ecosystems, legal and enforcement mechanisms, and a victim-centric approach to create a safer digital space for the youth of India.
