News Desk
NEW DELHI — India has emerged as the global leader in digital well-being, ranking first in a new international index that assesses online safety, satisfaction, and support networks for young internet users. However, the same report underscores the growing risks of online exploitation and the urgent need for greater awareness of digital security.
According to a study released Monday by Snap Inc., India scored 67 out of 100 on the digital well-being index, outperforming other countries in online satisfaction and support systems for young people. The report highlighted that 58% of Indian respondents expressed contentment with their digital experiences—higher than the 53% reported in the United States and 42% in the United Kingdom. India also led in support networks, with respondents identifying 9 to 12 sources of guidance, such as parents, teachers, and mentors.
A striking trend in the report was the increase in parental engagement. Seventy percent of Indian parents reported regularly checking their teens’ online activities, a notable rise from 62% in 2023. Additionally, 78% of Indian Gen Z users sought support from others when facing online challenges, up from 65% last year.
Despite India’s strong digital support networks, the report highlighted areas of concern regarding online safety for younger users. Seventy-one percent of Indian Gen Z respondents reported encountering sextortion attempts, with 55% admitting they had been affected. Additionally, 77% of respondents experienced a loss of control over intimate images they had shared, with minors aged 13-17 making up 80% of these cases.
Online grooming also remains a challenge, with 60% of respondents reporting such experiences, more than half of whom were minors. The report further pointed to gaps in awareness about the legal consequences of sharing explicit content involving minors. More than half (52%) of respondents mistakenly believed that failing to report such content was legal—the highest among surveyed countries—while 36% thought sharing and viewing such images was lawful, and 39% believed storing them online was permitted.
The findings highlight a paradox: while India excels in digital satisfaction and parental oversight, the country also faces escalating online risks for its youth. The study underscores the need for stronger legal awareness, digital literacy, and preventive measures to protect minors in an increasingly interconnected world.
Source: DD News.
