A recent nationwide survey reveals a surprising truth about online safety for young Indians. The study shows that young people actually fear individuals they know personally more than strangers on the internet. This finding directly challenges the long-held "stranger danger" narrative that has dominated online safety discussions for years.
Key Findings from the SCREEN Survey
The Student Cyber Resilience, Education and Empowerment Nationwide (SCREEN) survey examined nearly 4,000 young people aged 11 to 30 across India. Researchers discovered that unwanted contact from known persons occurs significantly more frequently than contact initiated by strangers.
Specifically, 37.9% of respondents reported unwanted contact from people they know. This compares to just 23.4% who experienced unwanted contact from strangers. The data clearly indicates that risks often emerge within existing social circles rather than from unknown individuals.
Most Vulnerable Age Group Identified
The survey pinpointed the 17 to 18 age group as particularly vulnerable. Within this demographic, a striking 53.1% reported experiencing unwanted contact from known persons. This transition period appears to present unique challenges for young people navigating digital spaces.
Aprajita Bharti, Co-founder of Young Leaders for Active Citizenship, emphasized the survey's implications. "The SCREEN findings make it clear that young people are not asking to be excluded from the internet," Bharti stated. "They are asking for safer, fairer, and more transparent digital spaces."
Support Systems and Digital Access Patterns
When facing uncomfortable online situations, young Indians primarily turn to friends and family for support. The survey found that 32.8% of respondents confide in friends, while 30.2% seek help from parents.
Other important support sources include siblings (19.9%), school and college seniors (16.4%), and teachers (15.6%). These figures demonstrate that personal relationships remain crucial for navigating digital challenges.
Digital Access Disparities Revealed
The survey also uncovered significant disparities in digital access across India. Household smartphone access stands at 77.9%, with minimal gender variation. However, computer and laptop access tells a different story.
Metropolitan areas show 72.5% household computer access, while rural areas lag at just 36.5%. This 36-percentage-point gap represents what researchers call a "capability divide" with serious educational and economic implications.
Additional Behavioral Insights
Several other noteworthy findings emerged from the research:
- Around 60% of school students reported that their schools prohibit phones on campus
- Approximately one-third of these students said the ban is not effectively enforced
- Compulsive scrolling appears slightly more common among males (33.1%) than females (30.7%)
- Sleep disruption affects both genders equally at 21.8%
Survey Background and Release
Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) conducted the survey titled 'How young Indians navigate digital life.' The organization released the findings during the Youth in the Loop Summit 2026, in collaboration with The Quantum Hub (TQH).
The comprehensive study provides valuable insights into how India's youth interacts with digital platforms. It highlights both the challenges they face and the support systems they rely upon in an increasingly connected world.
