In a disturbing trend, nine out of every 10 cybercrimes against children in India involve publishing or transmitting sexually explicit material, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2024.
The NCRB report reveals a sharp rise in crimes against children even as overall crime numbers in the country have declined. A total of 1,87,702 cases of crimes against children were registered across India in 2024, marking a 5.8 per cent increase from 1,77,335 cases in 2023.
Over the past four years, crimes against children have surged by more than 46 per cent — from 1,28,531 cases in 2020 to 1,87,702 cases in 2024. In contrast, overall crimes in India dropped by nearly 10.8 per cent during the same period.
Cybercrimes against children
Out of the total crimes against children in 2024, as many as 1,238 cases were registered under the Information Technology Act as cybercrimes. Of these, a staggering 1,099 cases — nearly 89 per cent — involved publishing or transmitting material showing children in sexually explicit acts. All other forms of cybercrimes against children accounted for just 139 cases.
Chhattisgarh reported the highest number of cybercrimes against children with 268 cases, followed by Rajasthan (174), Delhi (151), Uttar Pradesh (137) and Kerala (92). These five states together accounted for nearly two-thirds (66.4 per cent) of all such cases in the country.
POCSO cases remain high
The data also highlights the continuing threat under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. As many as 69,191 POCSO cases were registered in 2024. Girls formed an overwhelming majority of victims in penetrative and aggravated penetrative sexual assault cases.
Out of 44,567 child victims recorded under relevant POCSO sections, 43,675 (98 per cent) were girls. The 16-18 age group was the most vulnerable, with 23,497 victims, of whom 99.5 per cent were girls.
In over 96.6 per cent of these cases, the offender was known to the child. Friends, online friends or live-in partners (on pretext of marriage) formed the largest group of offenders, followed by family friends, neighbours and, shockingly, family members in 3,658 cases.
“Children’s online safety must be a national priority”
Commenting on the data, Soha Moitra, director of programmes at Child Rights and You (CRY), said, “The recent cybercrime trends revealed by NCRB once again underscore why children’s safety in the online space must remain a national priority. In today’s hyperconnected world shaped increasingly by algorithms and AI, protecting children online is no longer just about controlling screens.”
“Children need trusted adults, stronger support systems and safe environments for open conversations. Guidance, digital literacy and emotional handholding are critical in helping children recognise threats before harm occurs,” she added.
Moitra further stressed the need for stronger community vigilance and faster justice delivery.
“There must also be strong and swift punitive action against perpetrators to send an unequivocal message that crimes against children will not be tolerated in any form,” she concluded.