How can the internet be a safe space for queer children?

The Suno India Show

On November 21, Pranshu who is a 16-year old queer child, died of suicide in Ujjain. The school going child was a self taught makeup artist, with nearly 17,000 followers on Instagram. Pranshu posted a reel dressed in a sari, which went viral during Diwali, getting more than 4000 comments, most of which were homophobic in nature.

Last year, another class 10 student, Aarvey Malhotra died of suicide. His mother, Aarti Malhotra has alleged that Aarvey was bullied mercilessly in school on account of his sexuality, and that his school authorities were not responsive to their complaints and failed to protect him.

In the recent past, there have been many conversations about protection of children in the social media space. Whistleblowers of Meta have alleged that Meta knew its products were harming children, particularly young girls but did not do enough to protect them. In October, many US states filed a lawsuit arguing that Meta has contributed to a youth mental health crisis. What is missing in these discussions are the experiences of queer children.

Suno India’s Menaka Rao spoke to Rohin Bhatt, a queer rights lawyer and activist and a bioethicist to understand what kind of legal and policy framework can help protect queer children, but also help create a safe space online.

References

'My Child Did Nothing Wrong,' Mother of Queer Artist Who Died By Suicide in MP

“The school has killed me”: Arvey Malhotra’s mother recalls his suicide note and elaborates on the bullying that led to her son’s death; awaits justice even after 4 months - Times of India

Congress Is Pushing An Online Safety Bill Supported By Anti-LGBTQ Groups

https://twitter.com/BhattRohin/status/1729734070261658026/photo/1

Yes, We Exist (@yesweexistindia) • Instagram photos and videos

Filmmaker Onir says his movie script on gay soldier has been rejected by defence ministry: 'I won't demean anybody'.

National and Delhi Commissions for Protection of Child Rights on opposing sides on adoption by same-sex couples – The Leaflet

Kerala HC asks government to take appropriate action against ‘NGO’ that calls queerness “wokeism” and “rainbow mafia” – The Leaflet

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