9 Out of Every 10 Cybercrimes against Children involve Transmitting Sexually Explicit Content

Crimes against children in India increased by 5.8 per cent in 2024, even as overall crime rates in the country continued to decline, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The NCRB recorded 1,87,702 cases of crimes against children in 2024, compared to 1,77,335 cases in 2023. Over the last four years, crimes against children have risen by more than 46 per cent from 1,28,531 cases in 2020 to 1,87,702 in 2024. During the same period, overall crimes in India declined by nearly 10.8 per cent, from 66.01 lakh cases in 2020 to 58.86 lakh cases in 2024.

An analysis of NCRB data by Child Rights and You (CRY) highlighted a sharp rise in cybercrimes targeting children, particularly those involving sexually explicit content. According to the analysis, 1,238 cases of cybercrimes against children were registered under the Information Technology Act in 2024, accounting for nearly 0.7 per cent of all crimes against children. Of these, 1,099 cases nearly nine out of every 10 involved publishing or transmitting material depicting children in sexually explicit acts.

The remaining 139 cases fell under other categories of cyber offences against children, indicating that online sexual exploitation has emerged as the dominant form of cybercrime targeting minors.

State-wise data showed that Chhattisgarh recorded the highest number of cybercrimes against children with 268 cases, followed by Rajasthan (174), Delhi (151), Uttar Pradesh (137), and Kerala (92). Together, these five regions accounted for 822 cases, or 66.4 per cent of all cybercrimes against children recorded in the country in 2024.

Commenting on the findings, Soha Moitra, Director of Programmes at CRY said the data underscored the urgent need to prioritise child safety in digital spaces.“In today’s hyperconnected world shaped increasingly by algorithms and AI, protecting children online is no longer just about controlling screens. It is about building awareness, empathy and agency among children and caregivers alike to safeguard children’s identity, and ensure their dignity and emotional well-being in digital spaces.”

She also added that children need trusted adults, stronger support systems and safer environments for open conversations, along with digital literacy and emotional support to recognise threats before harm occurs.

The NCRB data also pointed to the continuing prevalence of sexual offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). A total of 69,191 POCSO cases were registered across the country in 2024, with a crime rate of 15.6 per one lakh child population.

Girls accounted for an overwhelming majority of victims in cases registered under Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act, which deal with penetrative sexual assault and aggravated penetrative sexual assault. Of the 44,567 child victims recorded under these sections, 43,675 were girls, representing 98 per cent of all victims. Boys accounted for 892 victims.

Children aged between 16 and 18 years emerged as the most vulnerable group, with 23,497 victims recorded in this category alone. Girls constituted 99.5 per cent of victims in this age group. The data further revealed that in most POCSO cases, the accused were known to the child. Out of 44,126 cases recorded under Sections 4 and 6 of the Act, 42,634 cases or 96.6 per cent involved offenders known to the victim. Only 1,492 cases involved unknown or unidentified offenders.

Among the known offenders, the largest category included friends, online friends or live-in partners on the pretext of marriage, accounting for 22,308 cases. Family friends, neighbours, employers and other known persons together accounted for 16,668 cases, while family members themselves were identified as offenders in 3,658 cases.

Calling for stronger intervention mechanisms, Soha Moitra says the growing scale of crimes against children required greater public awareness, stronger community vigilance, faster justice delivery and robust support systems for children. The need for preventive education, safe reporting mechanisms and swift punitive action against perpetrators to ensure accountability and child protection.