Juvenile Delinquency in the Digital Age: Technology, Social Media and Emerging Challenges in Indian Juvenile Justice
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Abstract
This research examines the growing relationship between technology, social media and juvenile delinquency in India and its emerging implications for the juvenile justice system. The widespread use of smartphones, social networking platforms, online gaming and digital communication has created new opportunities for education and social interaction but has also exposed children to cyberbullying, online exploitation, identity misuse, cybercrime, harmful content and technology-facilitated offending. The study critically examines whether the existing juvenile justice framework, particularly the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, is adequately equipped to address offences involving digital technologies while protecting the rights, privacy and developmental interests of children. It further considers the challenges faced by law-enforcement agencies, Juvenile Justice Boards and other institutions in identifying, investigating and responding to technology-related juvenile offending, including issues of digital evidence, online anonymity and rapidly changing technologies.
The research adopts a socio-legal approach, analysing statutory provisions, judicial developments, official crime data and relevant child-rights standards. It argues that an effective response requires a balanced approach combining accountability with digital literacy, prevention, rehabilitation, restorative justice and protection of children’s fundamental rights. The study proposes strengthening the capacity of the juvenile justice system to respond to emerging forms of technology-related delinquency without adopting excessively punitive measures that may undermine the rehabilitative objectives of juvenile justice
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