“Cyber-Delinquency and Its Impact on Children’s Mental Health: Legal Challenges in India"

The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has reshaped the everyday experiences of children in India, presenting diverse opportunities for education, communication, and personal development, while simultaneously generating profound concerns regarding their overall well-being. This research, titled “Cyber-Delinquency and Its Impact on Children’s Mental Health: Legal Challenges in India,” explores the complex psychological and sociological implications of growing internet dependency, exposure to online sexual content, and the excessive use of social networking platforms among young users. It brings attention to the increasing involvement of juveniles in cyber-related offenses and critically evaluates the shortcomings of current legal frameworks in effectively protecting children’s emotional, cognitive, and social health. Persistent immersion in digital environments often results in reduced physical activity and weakened face-to-face social bonds, which in turn contribute to emerging mental health concerns such as heightened anxiety, depressive symptoms, and attention-related difficulties. The study adopts a mixed-method design, incorporating both primary and secondary sources, and includes empirical insights derived from interactions with juveniles apprehended at the Lucknow Juvenile Observation Home.