Cyberbullying and Child Safety Online in India: Evaluating the IT Rules and the Juvenile Justice Act

Abstract

The proliferation of digital technologies has exposed children to unprecedented risks of cyberbullying, necessitating robust legal frameworks for their protection. This paper critically examines the effectiveness of India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, in addressing cyberbullying and ensuring child safety online. Through doctrinal analysis and evaluation of enforcement mechanisms, this study reveals significant gaps in implementation, coordination among stakeholders, and victim support systems. While the IT Rules impose due diligence obligations on intermediaries and the JJ Act provides rehabilitative frameworks, challenges persist in terms of definitional clarity, digital literacy, and swift redressal mechanisms. The paper argues for a comprehensive, child-centric approach integrating legal reforms, technological solutions, and educational interventions to create a safer digital environment for Indian children.