Is your child really safe while using the internet?

The 21st century is often called the ‘Information Age’ because of the many amazing scientific breakthroughs it has seen. Among them, the internet stands out as the most influential. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, the internet is a part of nearly everything we do—it has completely changed the way we connect, work, and learn.

For children (defined in Nepal as anyone under 18), growing up with the internet has both benefits and risks. While the internet opens up many opportunities to learn and grow, it also brings serious concerns about their online safety—especially as Nepal’s digital world continues to expand.

The Digital World: A Place of Possibilities and Dangers

According to a report by ChildSafeNet and UNICEF, over 85% of children in Nepal use the internet on their mobile phones. This shows just how common internet use has become in young people’s lives.

On the positive side, platforms like Google Classroom, YouTube, and Edusanjal allow children to learn and explore without the limits of geography. Social media and online communities let them connect, share ideas, and be creative.

But alongside these benefits, the internet also exposes children to risks like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online predators, and privacy violations. These dangers were highlighted in a 2024 report by ChildSafeNet and UNICEF.

Often, parents give children mobile phones or tablets so they can enjoy the benefits of technology. But many children don’t yet have the ability to understand when and how that technology can be misused. Without proper guidance and supervision, children can easily come across harmful content or be targeted by people with bad intentions.

Cyberbullying and Online Predators

Cyberbullying—using digital platforms to insult, harass, or threaten someone—is now a major issue in Nepal. A 2020 report from the National Information Technology Center showed over 1,000 cases of cybercrime, many involving online harassment.

In addition, online predators often use social media to take advantage of children’s lack of experience and digital awareness. Children are more likely than adults to unknowingly share private information like their location, photos, or phone numbers, making them vulnerable to identity theft, scams, and exploitation.

There have even been cases in Nepal where minors were pressured into sharing personal or private content, leading to serious emotional and mental health problems.

The Role of Parents and Teachers

Protecting children online requires action from both parents and educators.

Parents should take the lead in guiding their children’s internet use. This can include:

  • Using parental controls and filtering tools

  • Limiting screen time

  • Having open conversations about online risks and behavior

Teachers also have a key role to play. Schools can teach digital literacy, helping children learn how to stay safe online, recognize harmful behavior, and report suspicious activity.

Laws in Nepal: Where Do We Stand?

Nepal has taken some steps to protect children online, but current laws still fall short in several ways.

  • The Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2008) is Nepal’s main cybersecurity law, but it mostly focuses on crimes like fraud and piracy. It doesn’t properly address cyberbullying or child-specific privacy risks.

  • The Act Relating to Children, 2075 (2018) includes rules against online sexual abuse and child pornography, but it doesn’t cover non-sexual abuse like online threats or verbal harassment.

  • The Online Child Protection Procedure, 2078 (2021) was introduced to block harmful content and handle complaints, but it’s not well enforced. It also doesn’t address issues like misuse of personal data or online threats.

  • The Social Media Regulation Bill, 2081 (2025) aims to tackle online issues like identity theft and cyberbullying. However, its vague language has been widely criticized.

  • The Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill, 2082 (2025) proposes tougher penalties for cyberbullying and online abuse. It even suggests setting up special IT courts. But again, it lacks child-specific protections—such as kid-friendly privacy settings, simple reporting systems, or safety tools for minors.

Moving Forward

Nepal has started to recognize the dangers children face online, but legal protections are still incomplete. Without stronger and clearer rules that directly protect children, they remain exposed to serious threats like cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and online manipulation.

To truly protect children in the digital age, Nepal needs:

  • Age-appropriate online safety features

  • Stronger enforcement of existing rules

  • Better digital education for children and parents alike

Only then can we ensure that the internet remains a tool for growth—not a source of harm—for Nepal’s youngest users.

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