While using Internet for circulating morphed obscene pictures is nothing new, it’s the consequences that is taking a new turn. In a recent case, where a Class 10 student uploaded a morphed obscene picture of one of his female classmates on social networking site Facebook, the Delhi high court took a stringent action. The student who belongs to a private school in Vasant Kunj, has been expelled from the school, and his father too was pulled up by the court for failing to take necessary action. With the wrong use of the social media becoming rampant, schools talk about steps that is the need of the hour.
“This is just one of the many cases happening at schools these days. This came to light because the parents moved court after the child was expelled. We recently expelled a student who was watching vulgar images and videos in school and when we called the child’s parents, they said they’re helpless as the child doesn’t listen to them. I feel society at large is to be blamed for this. The maximum parents can do is ensure their child doesn’t spend hours on his gadgets without any relevant purpose,” says Sunita Roy, a CBSE counsellor.
Pooja Dhingra, HOD, Computer Science, Salwan Public School, Mayur Vihar, suggests, “Many schools allow Internet access to students. Now if you filter the content your children see at home, and in schools, they won’t really have access to any porn sites easily. Also, I feel that giving kids access to technology which you aren’t yourself equipped with, is a bane. Kids mostly access the Internet on their phones. If you don’t know how to use the phone your child has, make an effort to learn a little about it, so that once in a while you can check what your child is up to?”
But is that really enough is the question? Well, may be not. Dr Rima Sehgal says a dialogue with kids is what is required today. “Parents have to find some time everyday to talk to their kids about life in general. Whatever little time parents spend with kids these days is spent in giving them instructions about things. You have to build a connection with children to understand their side of the story and make them understand your perspective as well,” she concludes.