Parenting in the ‘Cyber World’

India has one of the youngest populations globally with an average age of 29 years. Over a quarter of its population – 25.78% to be precise – falls in the 0-14 age group. Almost another two-thirds – or 62.5% – is in the 15-59 age group. While this is great for India’s economic growth, the young and large population is also very malleable to digital influences.

The millennials (23-38 years age group) and Generation X (39-54 years age group) are busy exploring the possibilities and benefits of the digitized world. The digital revolution has opened up hitherto unimaginable possibilities for individuals, businesses, and the government. In this enthusiasm what is getting lost is the need to educate ‘Generation Z’ (7-22 years age group) and future generations from becoming vulnerable because they lack the maturity of the Millennials and Gen X. Of course, the question then arises as to whether even the entire older generation is fully aware of the dangers of the digital world and cyber space.

Assessing cyber awareness and cyber safety knowhow among the millennials and gen X is probably the need of the hour. It is time that we as cyber enthusiasts take a lead in this journey. The key to this education lies in identifying the ‘Influencers’ and the ‘Drivers of the Influencers’. For example, the government is the driver for the corporates as the influencer. The corporates are in turn the driver for the consumer as the influencer. The courts are the driver for India’s population for their rights.

The pillars of the Indian or the global society need to understand the paradigm shift required to bring in ‘Cyber Space Ethos’ or ‘Cyber Cultural Ethos’. The governments, judiciary, corporates, enterprises, service providers, media/Press, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions etc., have to take the lead.

(This article was first published in Business Insider India.