CHILD SAFETY ONLINE POLICY, PRACTICE AND FUTURE
Roundtable Discussion
CONTEXT
Early and increasing exposure to digital platforms is fundamentally reshaping how children perceive identity, interaction, participation, and expression in today’s society.
According to a report by the Institute for Governance, Policies and Politics (IGPP),
- 9% of parents believe their children spend too much time online,
- and 63% are concerned about their digital well-being. Parents of children aged 11–14 years, especially in Tier-3 cities, report the highest levels of concern.
Similarly, a LocalCircles survey found that
- 61% of urban parents say children aged 9–17 spend over 3 hours daily on social media or OTT platforms.
- Furthermore, 73% of parents support mandatory parental consent for children under 18 to access digital platforms.
This increased digital engagement also brings serious risks. In response, global debates are intensifying around age thresholds and platform restrictions, for example, Australia’s recent move to ban social media for users under 16
KEY FOCUS
This evolving context sets the stage for a deeper dialogue on the policy landscape, prevailing practices, and the future of child online safety in India.
Understanding Online Risks and Harmful Content Exposure- Children
Children are often exposed to harmful content online. This theme explores the landscape of online risks, and examines how data privacy, cultural norms, and digital practices contribute to children’s vulnerability online.
Digital Privacy Vs Age Verification Mechanisms and Consent Dilemmas
This theme explores the practical challenges of age verification and how these measures can be balanced with children’s data privacy and user rights.
The Best Interest of Children: Platform Accountability and AgeAppropriate Design
This theme emphasizes the principle of safety by design, ensuring that platforms to prioritize the best interests of children in their architecture and features.
Legal Frameworks and the Future of Child Online Safety
This theme examines the implications of India’s existing regulatory architecture. It aims to foster forward-looking discussions that balance protection with digital rights, and contribute to policy solutions.
Stakeholders
The roundtable will bring together key stakeholders with an opportunity to consider practical steps to foster safer online experience for children.
- Journalists
- Civil Society
- Industry Professional
- Academicians and Researcher
- Child Safety and legal Experts
- Policymakers
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Legal Frameworks and the Future of Child Online Safety
This theme examines the implications of India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the upcoming Digital India Act through the lens of child online safety. It aims to foster forward-looking discussions that balance protection with digital rights and contribute to policy solutions that support a comprehensive and rights-based online safety framework for children.
Digital Privacy Vs Age Verification Mechanisms and Consent Dilemmas
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) requires verifiable parental consent for users under 18 but lacks clear implementation guidelines. This theme explores the practical challenges of age verification, technical feasibility of enforcement, the question of data minimisation and how these measures can be balanced with children’s data privacy and user rights.
The IGPP hosted an insightful round table discussion at the Constitution Club of India on 23rd June 2025.
Early and increasing exposure to digital platforms is fundamentally reshaping how children perceive identity, interaction, participation, and expression in today’s society. This increased digital engagement also brings serious risks. In response, global debates are intensifying around age thresholds and platform restrictions, for example, Australia’s recent move to ban social media for users under 16.
