As Safer Internet Day approaches on February 11, 2025, Snapchat has released the third edition of its Digital Well-Being Index (DWBI), shedding light on the evolving online experiences of Gen Z across six countries, including India. The findings underscore both positive developments in digital well-being and the rising challenges young users face online.
The survey, which involved over 9,000 respondents from India, Australia, France, Germany, the UK, and the US, provides insights into the online behavior of teenagers (ages 13-17) and young adults (ages 18-24), as well as the perspectives of parents of teens (ages 13-19). India emerged as a leader in digital well-being, securing the highest score of 67 for the third consecutive year. This reflects strong parental engagement and the growing role of support networks in ensuring the safety of young users online. Notably, 78% of Indian Gen Z respondents reported seeking support for online safety, a significant increase from 65% in 2023. Furthermore, 70% of parents in India actively engage with their children on online safety, marking the highest rate among the surveyed countries.
While India’s performance in digital well-being is commendable, the report also highlights a growing concern over online risks, particularly sextortion and grooming. India recorded the highest rates of sextortion, with 71% of respondents reporting being threatened with the release of intimate images unless they met certain demands. Alarmingly, 55% of those affected fell victim to such blackmail. Additionally, 77% of respondents indicated losing control over shared intimate imagery, with 80% of these cases involving minors aged 13-17. Grooming, a significant concern, affected 60% of respondents, with 56% of victims being minors.
In response to these challenges, Uthara Ganesh, Head of Public Policy for India and South Asia at Snap Inc, emphasized the critical role of open dialogue between parents and teens in maintaining online safety. “This positive evolution in the digital parent-teen dynamic is crucial for navigating an increasingly complex online landscape,” she stated.
Snap Inc has taken proactive steps to address these issues by updating its Family Center, a tool designed to provide parents with oversight while safeguarding teen privacy. New features include enhanced content controls and the ability to disable My AI, Snapchat’s chatbot, for teenage users. These initiatives reflect the platform’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safer online environment.
While India continues to lead in digital well-being, the increasing prevalence of online threats such as sextortion and grooming underscores the need for sustained efforts in raising awareness, promoting parental involvement, and implementing robust protective measures to ensure the safety of young users in the digital space.
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