Adolescent Violence through Technology in India

Abstract

Introduction: The shift from the physical to virtual communication has been emerged as a vital platform to interact through technology. Apart from the positive influences, it is also affecting the adolescents in negative manner which leads to various health hazards. All governments are committed to the ambitious sustainable development agenda and its goals, in particular SDG target 16.2 to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. Despite the alarming situation and commitment, there is apathy towards coining the specific laws against cybercrime amongst adolescents. Methodology: A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey method was used for data collection from the adolescents who are using mobile phones since last one year and presented in outdoor pediatric department. The study was also conducted in two schools from urban and rural locations at Lucknow district during study period. Results: In the studied population of 900 students, the maximum students 606(67.3%) were from 16-18 years of age and simple mobile users were more 505(56.1%) in number when compared. the prevalence of bullied students were females 269(29.8%) and males 381(42.3%). Maximum bullied students were of age 16-18 years. As per the mode of assault sending inappropriate SMS 378 (58.1%) on mobile was outrageous than any other method. The assault was shared mainly with friends. Conclusion: Our results reflect that the prevalence of violence amongst adolescents have reached up to a point of saturation where it is mandatory to correct their attitude to avoid any unwanted happening. Apart from the surveillance of the mobile use this is our prime duty to monitor the activities of teens on internet and develop safe cyber space.