-By Saroj Ojha

Journalist / Writer

The internet has become an integral part of children's lives in Nepal, offering opportunities for education, entertainment, and global connectivity. As of 2024, internet penetration in Nepal has reached 90%, with children and adolescents making up a large portion of users. This growing digital access provides immense potential for learning and skill development.

However, it also brings significant risks, including cyberbullying, exploitation, privacy breaches, and digital addiction. A study by the Digital Intelligence (DQ) Institute highlights that 58% of Nepali children aged 8–12 face cyber risks, such as cyberbullying, online grooming, and exposure to harmful content. Alarmingly, 49% have experienced cyberbullying, 26% have engaged in risky online behaviors, and 15% have interacted with strangers online.

Excessive social media use and prolonged screen time have led to mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and body image issues. These threats highlight the urgent need to establish preventive measures and ensure a safer online environment for children.

Key Risks Faced by Nepali Children Online

1. Privacy Risks

Many children unknowingly share personal information—such as addresses, phone numbers, and photos—on social media platforms, making them targets for identity theft and tracking by predators.

2. Data Theft and Cyber Attacks

Children often download free apps, games, or links that may contain malware or phishing tools, compromising personal data, school records, and sensitive family information.

3. Cyberbullying

With increased smartphone usage, cases of online harassment are rising in Nepali schools. Many children unintentionally engage in cyberbullying by imitating harmful behaviors they encounter online.

4. Online Exploitation and Grooming

Children are increasingly vulnerable to predators who exploit chatrooms, online games, and social media platforms to build trust and later engage in exploitation.

5. Addiction and Mental Health Issues

Excessive use of the internet, especially social media and online games, has resulted in addiction, leading to emotional stress, poor academic performance, and social isolation.

Ensuring Online Safety: Roles and Responsibilities

1. Role of Children:

Develop digital literacy to recognize online risks and understand privacy settings.

Avoid oversharing personal information and report suspicious activities immediately.

Participate in cyber safety workshops and learn about safe online practices.

2. Role of Parents:

Monitor online activities and use parental control tools to block harmful content.

Educate children about phishing scams and malware threats.

Maintain open communication so children feel comfortable discussing online issues.

3. Role of Schools:

Integrate digital literacy and cyber safety programs into school curricula.

Conduct awareness campaigns on cyberbullying, privacy risks, and online ethics.

Strengthen security systems on e-learning platforms to prevent hacking.

4. Role of Government and Organizations:

Enforce stronger cyber laws and penalize offenders involved in online abuse and exploitation.

Launch nationwide digital literacy campaigns in collaboration with NGOs and tech companies.

Establish hotlines and counseling centers for reporting online abuse.

Organizations Promoting Online Safety in Nepal

ChildSafeNet, a leading organization, is actively working to protect Nepali children online through:

Awareness campaigns about cyberbullying, phishing, and exploitation risks.

Training programs for parents, teachers, and students on digital safety.

Policy advocacy to promote safer internet use nationwide.

Other organizations like UNICEF Nepal, Safer Internet Day Initiatives and CWISH, CWIN like child concerned social organizations including other several of institutes, child right activists,IT experts, government bodies, are also contributing to digital literacy and child protection efforts.

Building a Safer Digital Future

Nepal’s rapid digital transformation offers both opportunities and challenges. Protecting children in this virtual world requires collaboration among parents, schools, policymakers, and community organizations.

Key Takeaways:

Promote digital literacy and awareness programs.

Enforce cybersecurity laws and preventive measures.

Equip children with tools to identify and combat online threats.

By adopting proactive strategies and empowering young users, Nepal can foster a safe and inclusive digital environment where children can thrive without fear.

Sources and References

Digital Intelligence (DQ) Institute Report 2024

UNICEF Nepal’s Digital Generation Report – unicef.org

ChildSafeNet and Safer Internet Nepal Initiatives

Chiranjibi Adhikari – IT Expert and Lecturer

(Saroj Ojha is a senior journalist and the presenter and director of the Sachetana program on NTV News, program by Glory Media. He also serves as the executive editor of Rajyadainik.com and has been advocating for children’s rights and welfare for over two decades. Previously, he directed and presented the children’s program Bal Awaz. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Media Technology, Ojha continues to focus on critical social issues, including child protection and online safety.)