Demerits of introducing social media to children at young age deliberated

CHANDEL, May 27
 The District Legal Services Authority, Chandel under the aegis of Manipur State Legal Services Authority organized a one day legal awareness programme on the topic “Online Child Sexual Abuse – A Rising Problem in Today’s Digital Age” in collaboration with Sirti Thiimuiitam Sourkhe (Monsang Naga Students’ Union) as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign at St Peter’s Higher Secondary School, Monsang Pantha, Chandel District today.
As per a statement, the programme began with an opening prayer from Wanglar Philip, education secretary, STS, followed by a welcome and introductory speech from Ng Lawrence, president, STS.
Keishang Kopham, advocate, attended the event as the resource person.  He addressed the gathering with a brief on the main topic of the programme which is a glaring problem in today’s digital age.
 He further stated that the main problem is the advancement of technologies and introduction of social media to the children at a very young age. The resource also explained the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 which protects children from online offences.
 It was made aware to the participants that misuse of technology for sexual exploitation of children or any such offences is a heinous crime and is punishable under law.
Students of St Peter’s Higher Secondary School, members of Sirti Thiimuiitam Sourkhe (STS), staff of DLSA, Chandel and PLVs participated in the said programme. The programme concluded with an interactive session with the participants and a closing prayer.