Not Just Good & Bad Touch, Teach 'Virtual Touch' Too, Says Delhi HC

In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court said that teaching children about 'good touch' and 'bad touch' is not enough to protect them from sexual crimes. They must also be made aware of 'virtual touch' to avoid social media threats. Children should be taught about appropriate online behaviour, recognise predators and the importance of privacy on social media. The court stated this while denying the bail plea of a mother who was accused of helping her son in kidnapping, raping and forcing her into sexual trafficking of a minor girl

As per the reports, the accused first met the girl on social media. Later, when they met in person, the accused kidnapped the 16-year-old girl and confined her in Madhya Pradesh, where she was gang raped. Later, she was also presented before various men for sexual gratification. The man also got the girl married to a 45-year-old man. 

The mother of the accused, Kamlesh Devi, was also apprehended for helping her son in the entire process. To seek bail, she knocked at the doors of the Delhi High Court. However, the court denied her plea and used the case to educate parents and other organisations about making children aware of virtual touch.

The statement of the judge

A bench headed by Swarna Kanta Sharma said, "This court is constrained to note that in today's virtual modern world where virtual space has also become a breeding ground of alleged virtual affections between teenagers, they are not equipped to deal with the potential dangers of human trafficking for prostitution and other side of crimes which exists in the virtual world." 

The judge said that the traditional approach of educating children about sexual assault is limited to the physical realm. "In today's virtual world, it is crucial to extend this education to encompass the concept of 'virtual touch'. Minors must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate online interactions safely and recognise potential risks lurking in cyberspace," the judge said. 

Children are mostly taught about good touch and bad touch to be cautious against sexual harassment in the physical world. But, as the judge said, children need to be taught to develop critical thinking to analyse anonymous accounts and preserve their personal details. 

Advise for parents, guardians, schools and other stakeholders

The judge further added, "Moreover, parents, guardians and educators play a crucial role in fostering digital literacy and promoting responsible online conduct among minors. By fostering open communication channels and providing guidance on navigating the digital landscape, adults can empower children to make informed decisions and protect themselves from online threats."

The judge concluded by saying that this order of digital literacy to avoid online threats applies to schools and colleges, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority and the Delhi Judicial Academy.

Why is the case relevant?

The case makes a powerful statement which is the need of the hour We are not only unsafe in the physical world but also in the virtual world. In 2022, 9,940 cases of cyber crime were registered which is only increasing every year. Out of the total crimes registered, only 11 per cent could be solved. The large gap between complaints and convictions raises alarm about the lack of safety of people in the virtual world. 

Do you remember the Bois Locker Room case? It made headlines when it was busted. Women were randomly asked on social to have sex, get raped, share nudes and whatnot. The group on social media used to share women's pictures and talk about their private parts. Even more shocking part of the incident was that a 15-year-old was arrested in relation to Bois Locker Room.

Children have started using social media at a very young age

Presently, children have started using social media at a very young age. They have social media profiles where they flaunt their daily moments. However, the creeps on the internet do not consider posting pictures as personal freedom. They take this as a chance to pounce on minors with their lewd messages. Some such creeps are masked as good people who talk smoothly, just like the man in the case above. The minors who do not know anything apart from good touch and bad touch to differentiate between good and bad people, won't consider such masked behaviour as a sign of danger. Evidently, they are trapped. 

As the world is moving towards digitalisation, so are crimes. If children are educated about using digital devices, they must also be taught about the dangers that come with them. They must be made cautious about suspicious behaviour and how to deal with it. We are not asking to breach the privacy of your children by barring them from using social media or checking their activities. Just like you teach them about good touch and bad touch, similarly teach them about virtual dangers and safety measures without stopping them from using social media. 

Views expressed are the author's own.