Safeguarding India’s youth from OTT content risks in digital era

Imagine a world where the innocence of childhood is preserved, where children’s exposure to the digital realm is both enriching and safe. Yet, as we dive deeper into the age of information, this ideal seems increasingly out of reach. The incident in Mira Road, a suburb of Mumbai, India, serves as a poignant reminder of the double-edged sword that is the Over-The-Top (OTT) platform. Young children, left to the devices of the digital world while their parents toiled away at work, stumbled upon content that would make most adults blush. This episode is not just a wake-up call; it’s a siren blaring across the subcontinent, urging immediate action to safeguard the moral and ethical fiber of the next generation.

The Heart of the Matter
At the core of this controversy is the unregulated nature of OTT platforms, which, in their bid to captivate audiences, often cross the blurry line of moral decency. The Mira Road incident is not an isolated case but a symptom of a larger malaise affecting Indian society. Children, in their formative years, are being exposed to content that is not only inappropriate but potentially harmful, influencing their behavior and shaping their understanding of right and wrong in ways that are not always conducive to healthy development. The Indian government’s response, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, represents a significant step towards addressing these concerns. This legislation aims to regulate digital content and establish a grievance redressal mechanism, but its effectiveness and impact on freedom of expression are still under scrutiny.

The Balancing Act
The debate surrounding OTT regulation is a complex one, entangled in the broader discourse on freedom of expression and the right to information. On one hand, there is a clear and present danger of children mimicking behaviors seen on screen, some of which could lead to criminal activities. Civil society groups, like the Save Bharat Save Culture Foundation and Hindu Jan Jagruti Samiti, have taken a stand, organizing events to raise awareness about the need for responsible content consumption and citizenship in the digital age. On the other hand, there’s a legitimate concern that overregulation could stifle creative freedom and hinder the growth of India’s burgeoning digital content industry. Finding a middle ground, where content creators can thrive while ensuring the safety and well-being of young viewers, is the need of the hour.

The Role of Vigilance
While government intervention is crucial, the responsibility of protecting children from unsavory content also falls on the shoulders of parents and guardians. The rise of parental control apps, such as Mobicip, Bark, and Qustodio, offers a beacon of hope. These tools empower parents to monitor their children’s online activities, ensuring they can navigate the digital world safely. However, technology alone cannot bear the burden of moral policing. It requires a collective effort, a societal awakening to the realities of the digital age, and a commitment to instilling values of discernment and self-regulation in our children.

The incident in Mira Road is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the digital revolution. As India treads the fine line between embracing technological advancement and preserving its cultural ethos, the path forward is fraught with dilemmas. Yet, with conscientious regulation, vigilant parenting, and a society committed to nurturing responsible digital citizens, there is hope. The digital age, with all its pitfalls, also offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. By steering our collective ship with wisdom and foresight, we can ensure that our children inherit a digital world that is as safe as it is stimulating.  BNN Breaking