It is alarming to note that both crimes against juveniles and crimes committed by juveniles are on the rise in the country which demands immediate action to address this trend and protect the future
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It is alarming to note that both crimes against juveniles and crimes committed by juveniles are on the rise in the country, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). While crimes against children have increased by 5.9 per cent from 2023 to 2024, the number of crimes committed by children has surged by an astonishing 11.2 per cent in 2024. This situation demands immediate action to address this trend and protect the future of the country.
To combat crimes against children, India had enacted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act in 2012. This stringent legislation aims to protect children under 18 from sexual abuse, harassment, and pornography. The gender-neutral law has provisions for mandatory reporting, special courts for speedy trials, and enhanced penalties for offenders. While the POSCO has been relatively effective in curbing sexual offences and harassment against children, the recent data clearly indicates that either the jurisdiction of the Act should be expanded or a separate law should be enacted to address crimes against children that fall outside its scope. A concerted effort also must be made to prevent children from committing crimes. Legislation alone will not be able to curb this trend; it requires social awareness, responsible parenting with a strong emphasis on values and morality, among others.
In tackling these dual challenges, we must recognise that today's children are more vulnerable than those of previous generations. For instance, many children today lack proper adult guidance while growing up, as the nuclear family has become the norm due to various factors, including financial constraints and limited living space. Nowadays, the concept of family often no longer includes a cohesive unit of grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins; instead, it has become fragmented, thus limiting social engagement. Another concerning factor affecting children's social engagement is the rise of social media. Most children have unregulated access to social media, which often leaves them largely unaware of their responsibilities to society. This lack of awareness could impact their ability to make informed decisions about their actions.
They may struggle to determine the actions needed to become good human beings. To keep children away from crime and help them become responsible citizens, it is essential to provide them with a supportive and nurturing environment.