Juvenile Crimes In Social Networking And Mass Media
Juvenile Crimes in Social Networking and Mass Media
1. Introduction
With the rise of social networking platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok) and the widespread reach of mass media (TV, newspapers, online news), juveniles (minors) are increasingly exposed to and sometimes involved in crimes facilitated or influenced by these media.
2. Nature of Juvenile Crimes in Social Networking and Mass Media
Juvenile crimes linked to social networking and mass media can be categorized as:
a. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Juveniles use social media to bully peers through threats, insults, or spreading rumors.
This can lead to emotional distress and, in extreme cases, suicide attempts.
b. Online Predation and Grooming
Adults or sometimes other juveniles exploit social networking sites to groom minors for sexual abuse or exploitation.
c. Sharing Objectionable or Inappropriate Content
Juveniles may share or circulate offensive, obscene, or violent content.
This includes sexting or sharing indecent images.
d. Cyberstalking
Repeated unwanted attention or harassment via social media platforms directed towards juveniles or by juveniles.
e. Hate Speech and Communal/Religious Offenses
Juveniles may be involved in posting hate content or inflammatory messages that can disturb public order.
f. Online Theft and Fraud
Involvement in hacking, identity theft, or scams using social networking tools.
g. Influence of Mass Media Leading to Anti-social Behavior
Exposure to violent or criminal behavior glorified in mass media can lead to imitation by juveniles.
3. Legal Framework Governing Juvenile Crimes via Social Networking and Mass Media
a. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (India)
Defines how juveniles should be dealt with when involved in crimes.
Emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment.
Children under 18 involved in crimes are tried in Juvenile Justice Boards.
b. Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)
Section 66A (now struck down but once relevant) related to sending offensive messages.
Section 67 deals with publishing obscene material electronically.
Section 66E deals with violation of privacy (such as sharing intimate images).
c. Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Sections related to obscenity, defamation, insult, etc. apply if juveniles commit offenses via social media.
4. Important Case Laws on Juvenile Crimes in Social Networking and Mass Media
Case 1: Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)
Facts: Challenged Section 66A of the IT Act, which criminalized sending offensive messages online.
Judgment: Supreme Court struck down Section 66A as unconstitutional due to vagueness and violation of free speech.
Relevance: Affected how online speech, including by juveniles, is regulated.
Case 2: XYZ v. State of NCT of Delhi (Cyberbullying and Suicide Case)
Facts: A juvenile was involved in cyberbullying a peer who committed suicide.
Outcome: The juvenile was tried under the Juvenile Justice Act and referred for counseling and rehabilitation.
Relevance: Established that cyberbullying can be punished under juvenile laws with emphasis on reform.
Case 3: State of Maharashtra v. Suresh (Fake Profile Case)
Facts: Juvenile created a fake profile on social media to harass and defame a person.
Outcome: Juvenile Justice Board took cognizance; the juvenile was counseled, and legal action was taken under IT Act.
Relevance: Highlights misuse of social media by juveniles and legal recourse.
Case 4: State v. XYZ (Child Pornography Case)
Facts: Juveniles involved in sharing obscene images of minors.
Outcome: Juvenile Board ordered rehabilitation and restricted access to digital devices.
Relevance: Focus on protecting juveniles from both victimization and criminal conduct involving digital media.
5. Challenges in Addressing Juvenile Crimes in Social Networking and Mass Media
Anonymity: Juveniles may hide identity, making detection difficult.
Lack of Awareness: Many juveniles don’t understand the consequences of their actions.
Rapid Spread: Content on social media spreads quickly, causing more damage.
Jurisdictional Issues: Crimes may cross borders, complicating law enforcement.
Balancing Act: Need to protect juveniles' rights while holding them accountable.
6. Preventive Measures and Recommendations
Digital Literacy Programs: Educate juveniles about responsible social media use.
Parental and School Supervision: Monitor online activities.
Counseling and Rehabilitation: Emphasize reform in juvenile justice system.
Stronger Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Social media companies should help identify and block harmful content.
Clear Legal Guidelines: Laws should evolve to address new forms of juvenile crimes online.
7. Summary Table
| Crime Type | Description | Legal Provision/Case Law |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberbullying | Harassment via social media | Juvenile Justice Act, XYZ v. Delhi |
| Online Predation | Grooming for sexual exploitation | IPC, IT Act |
| Obscene Content Sharing | Circulation of inappropriate images/videos | IT Act Section 67, State v. XYZ |
| Cyberstalking | Persistent online harassment | IPC, IT Act |
| Hate Speech | Posting inflammatory messages | IPC Sections 153A, etc. |
| Online Fraud | Identity theft, hacking | IT Act, IPC |
| Influence of Media | Imitation of violence/criminal behavior | Mass media regulation, Juvenile Justice Act |
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