Model Answer

The Supreme Court recognised children's fundamental right to access the internet under Articles 19(1)(a) and 21, rejecting blanket bans while allowing proportionate safeguards.

Importance of Internet Access for Children

1. Educational opportunities provide access to digital learning resources. e.g: DIKSHA and PM eVIDYA.
2. Freedom of expression enables children to share ideas and opinions. e.g: Article 19(1)(a).
3. Right to information supports knowledge acquisition and informed participation.
4. Inclusive education benefits children in remote areas and those with disabilities. e.g: Accessible digital learning materials.
5. Digital literacy develops skills essential for future employment.
6. Social inclusion enables communication, creativity and peer interaction.

Major Challenges to Children's Online Safety

1. Online exploitation exposes children to grooming and sexual abuse.
2. Cyberbullying affects children's dignity and mental well-being.
3. Harmful content exposes minors to inappropriate material.
4. Privacy violations arise from excessive collection of children's personal data.

Way Forward

1. Proportionate safeguards instead of blanket restrictions. e.g: Supreme Court's Just Rights for Children Alliance order (2026).
2. Child-friendly platforms with private-by-default accounts and restricted messaging.
3. Parental guidance through age-appropriate supervision and consent.
4. Digital safety education through school curricula. e.g: NCERT and SCERT-led awareness programmes.
5. Platform accountability through detection and removal of child sexual abuse material.
6. Accessible reporting through child helplines and cybercrime grievance mechanisms.

Protecting children requires safer digital environments, not digital exclusion. Rights-based regulation can ensure both meaningful internet access and child protection.