Over 1,800 cases of cybercrimes against children registered in 2022, higher than last year: NCRB (Source: DownToEarth)

Recent OTT docu-series have drawn attention to the global surge in cybercrimes targeting minors, a phenomenon tragically reflected in the latest findings from India's National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
According to the NCRB's 2022 report, there was a notable uptick in cybercrimes against children, with 1,823 cases recorded—a substantial 32% increase compared to the previous year's 1,376 cases. These offenses encompass a spectrum of disturbing acts, ranging from cyber pornography and the dissemination of obscene materials involving minors to cyberstalking, bullying, and associated crimes.
Experts are deeply concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled children to shift towards online platforms for education and entertainment, may have exacerbated this troubling trend. Puja Marwaha, CEO of CRY – Child Rights and You, has stressed the urgent need for stringent measures to identify and prosecute offenders, thereby reinstating the internet as a secure environment for children.
Furthermore, offline crimes against children also witnessed a concerning rise in 2022, with a staggering 9% increase compared to the previous year, resulting in 1,62,449 reported offenses. It's alarming to note that despite an overall decrease in crime rates across the country, crimes against children persist unabated.
Upon closer analysis, it becomes evident that five states—Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal—account for nearly half of all reported crimes against children. Of particular concern is the capital city, Delhi, which reported the highest crime rate per one lakh population, raising serious questions about the safety and well-being of children nationwide.