Kolkata Police Advisory: As Kolkata embraces rapid digitization—from smart classrooms to smartphone-connected households—its youngest residents are increasingly vulnerable to the risks of the online world. Recognizing this, the Kolkata Police Cyber Cell has rolled out an advisory directed at parents, urging them to take proactive steps to safeguard children from cyber fraud, scams, and digital exploitation.
The advisory, released through the police’s official social media channels, outlines practical strategies for families navigating a world where education, entertainment, and social interaction are heavily mediated by the internet.
At its core, the message stresses balance: combining vigilance and monitoring with open dialogue and trust.
Key Steps Recommended for Parents
1. Keep Devices in Visible Spaces
Police recommend that children’s computers, tablets, and mobile phones be placed in shared family areas like the living room, rather than in private bedrooms. This subtle measure allows parents to observe usage without creating an atmosphere of constant surveillance. It naturally discourages secretive browsing and reduces exposure to harmful interactions.
2. Activate Parental Controls for Young Users
For children under the age of 15, it is crucial to use available parental control tools. These can:
- Filter inappropriate content
- Restrict downloads of unsafe apps
- Monitor screen time
- Block access to unverified websites
While such controls act as protective shields, Kolkata Police emphasize that they are not replacements for guidance and conversation.
3. Encourage Open Discussions on Cyberbullying and Fraud
Children often hesitate to share unpleasant online experiences due to fear of punishment or embarrassment. Parents are encouraged to normalize conversations about cyberbullying, phishing, and scams. By assuring children that they can speak up without blame, parents create a safe atmosphere where problems can be addressed early.
4. Be Wary of Online Gaming Scams
Many children are attracted to online games, which can also serve as entry points for fraudsters. Scammers frequently use gaming platforms to:
- Push fake in-app purchases
- Steal personal information
- Coerce children into sharing sensitive details
Police also highlighted the link between excessive gaming and negative impacts on children’s mental health, including addiction and mood swings.
5. Promote Critical Thinking Skills
In today’s age of misinformation, children must be taught to cross-check what they see online. Kolkata Police encouraged parents to help kids learn how to verify content through credible sources before sharing or believing it. This strengthens their ability to resist scams and fake news.
For a broader context on media literacy, see UNESCO’s media and information literacy framework.
6. Teach Children to Guard Privacy
Oversharing is one of the biggest risks in digital spaces. Children should be made aware of the dangers of posting details like their school name, daily routine, or home address online. They should also be taught to avoid chatting with strangers or accepting friend requests from unknown profiles.
7. Beware of AI-Based Voice Cloning Scams
One of the most alarming points in the advisory was the warning against AI-driven frauds. Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create fake distress calls that mimic a child’s voice. Parents may receive a call sounding like their own child asking for help or money.
In such cases, Kolkata Police advised parents not to panic, but instead verify their child’s safety immediately through direct contact or by reaching out to schools, guardians, or neighbors.
Why This Advisory Matters
Kolkata, like many major cities in India, is witnessing an explosion in internet penetration among children. Affordable smartphones and cheap data have opened the digital world to even younger age groups. While this access creates opportunities, it also exposes children to risks that many parents are ill-equipped to recognize.
According to a recent UNICEF South Asia study, children are not only at risk from predators and scammers but also from harmful content and peer pressure. UNICEF emphasizes that parents must combine technical safeguards with empathetic parenting, aligning closely with the message of Kolkata Police.
Kolkata Police Advisory: Voices From Parents and Experts
Many Kolkata parents welcomed the advisory, saying it reflected their growing anxieties.
- Arpita Banerjee, a mother of two in Jadavpur, said: “My younger son plays online games daily. I never thought scammers could use these platforms. After seeing this advisory, I am being more careful about what apps I allow him to use.”
- Dr. Rakesh Mukherjee, a child psychologist in South Kolkata, stressed that digital parenting must become as important as traditional parenting. “Children today are digital natives. Instead of banning technology, we must teach them responsible use. This advisory is a good step, but parents need continuous support.”
Cyber Threat Landscape in India
The advisory also comes against the backdrop of rising cybercrime in India. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, cases of cyber fraud targeting minors have seen a sharp spike in the last five years. Scams often include:
- Fake scholarship offers
- Phishing through gaming apps
- Sextortion and cyberbullying
- Identity theft using social media
This trend reflects a global concern. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has also reported a surge in complaints involving minors, especially related to financial fraud and exploitation.
A Holistic Roadmap for Safer Digital Childhoods
Experts suggest that Kolkata Police’s advisory should be seen as part of a larger ecosystem of protection. Solutions include:
- School-Level Programs: Integrating cyber safety into school curricula can ensure children learn safe practices early.
- Community Workshops: Local police stations and NGOs can organize digital literacy camps for parents.
- Policy Measures: Stronger regulation of online gaming platforms and social media apps aimed at minors.
- Collaboration with Tech Companies: Encouraging companies to build child-friendly safety features into apps.
Conclusion: Building Trust and Resilience
The Kolkata Police advisory reflects a growing recognition that cyber safety is no longer optional—it is an essential aspect of parenting in the digital era. While tools like parental controls, filters, and monitoring apps can reduce risk, the most powerful shield remains communication and trust between parents and children.
As digital fraudsters become more sophisticated—using artificial intelligence, psychological tricks, and social engineering—families must adapt with equal sophistication. The goal is not to isolate children from technology, but to empower them to use it safely, responsibly, and confidently.
Kolkata Police’s message is clear: protecting children online is a shared responsibility, where vigilance, awareness, and empathy go hand in hand.
🔗 External References for Context
- UNICEF South Asia: 5 Ways to Protect Your Child Online
- UNESCO: Media and Information Literacy
- NCRB: National Crime Records Bureau – Cybercrime Reports
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