Disturbing Case Highlights Dangers of Online Dating Apps in Kerala
A Troubling Incident
In a shocking incident from Kochi, Kerala, a 16-year-old boy became a victim of a disturbing crime linked to online dating apps. The police have charged 14 individuals, including government employees, for sexually assaulting the teenager after allegedly befriending him through the app. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can arise in the realm of digital interactions.
The Rise of Predatory Incidents
As investigations progressed last month, authorities uncovered that the teenager had been utilizing fake profiles to engage on the dating platform for nearly two years. Unfortunately, such predatory cases are not isolated occurrences, as the police report a growing trend of these crimes. They emphasized that this pattern falls in line with insights gained through their Digital De-addiction (D-DAD) program, which focuses on identifying and rehabilitating young individuals who are overly engaged in online activities, including gaming and social media.
The Digital De-addiction Program
Launched earlier in 2023, the D-DAD initiative stands out as the first of its kind in India. Currently, six centers operate across the state in locations like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kochi, among others. With positive feedback from parents, educational institutions, and child rights advocates, the program aims to extend its reach to additional districts, including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam, by the end of the 2025-26 financial year.
Since its inception, D-DAD centers have addressed approximately 1,992 cases of digital addiction, with a notable 571 cases involving children addicted specifically to online gaming. Sooraj Kumar M B, the nodal officer of the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Project in Ernakulam, highlighted the initiative’s role in providing essential support to hundreds of children.
Understanding Digital Addiction
Sooraj explained the patterns observed among adolescents; boys tend to gravitate toward online gaming while girls are more often drawn to social media. Counselors at the D-DAD centers use practical strategies to help children break their addictions and engage parents in the recovery process. One significant achievement of the program has been shifting parental perspectives on digital use. Initially skeptical about the notion of mobile phone addiction, many families now recognize the pressing reality of digital dependency.
Government Response and Further Actions
In light of increasing digital addiction and its repercussions, the state government has renewed contracts for counselors at D-DAD centers, signaling a commitment to addressing the rising demand for support. Concerns raised in the recent state Assembly session also revealed alarming statistics: between January 2021 and September 2025, 41 children reportedly took their own lives due to excessive use of mobile devices, while 30 others faced legal action for crimes borne out of inappropriate digital engagement.
Expert Opinions
Cyber law expert Jiyas Jamal, who leads the Cyber Suraksha Foundation, commended the D-DAD program as a model initiative for other states. However, he cautioned that the misuse of dating apps among minors presents significant challenges. “These platforms, intended for users over 18, often lack robust verification processes, making it easy for underage participants to access them,” he stated. He further highlighted the urgent need for regulation akin to the government’s recent interventions in online gaming.
Jamal added that children frequently fall prey to manipulative tactics employed via dating apps, sometimes leading to financial exploitation or involvement in illegal activities. Many parents only become aware of the situation after their children are trapped, resulting in lost money or far worse consequences, including sexual exploitation.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Digital Addiction
Beyond law enforcement initiatives, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department and the Education Department are launching complementary programs to address digital addiction and support affected families. The Our Responsibility to Children (ORC) initiative operates in over 1,200 schools statewide, aiming to raise awareness about issues children encounter, including digital addiction.
In conjunction with the Education Department, psycho-social counselors have been designated to 1,012 schools, providing vital support for students in need. Additional initiatives, such as parenting clinics and Vulnerability Mapping in Thiruvananthapuram, are also being implemented to identify at-risk children and provide necessary assistance.
This multifaceted approach underscores a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding digital use among minors and the urgent need for community support systems to safeguard their well-being.
