Telangana CM orders comprehensive online safety framework for children

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday directed all relevant State government departments to draw up a comprehensive online safety framework for children in consultation with the Telangana High Court and the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA). Announcing the initiative while inaugurating the South Zone Regional Conference on “Enhancing Access to Justice for Children in Cyber Space” in Hyderabad on October 3, 2026, he pledged full support to legal services institutions to expand child protection efforts across the State.

Government commitment and call to parents

Underscoring a whole-of-society approach to safeguarding children online, Mr. Reddy said his government would extend “full support” to the SLSA so its work “would take the good work to every district and village.” He stressed that parents must be central to efforts to improve cyber safety for minors, urging families to engage openly with children about their online activity. “Parents must be part of the dialogue. Every child and parent should know 1930 (cybercrime helpline) and 1098 (child helpline),” he said.

Advising a supportive approach, the Chief Minister added: “Be curious, not judgemental. Remember they are our children. They need our support, guidance, love and understanding. Let us all work to protect children.”

Focus on accessible justice and victim support

Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized the need for a continuous legal support system that both prevents children from falling prey to cyber offenders and assists in their rehabilitation. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s observation that the language of justice must be easily understood by those who seek it, the Minister said victims should not be made to feel guilty about abuse suffered online. Instead, he urged that children be encouraged to come forward and report cyberbullying or offences without fear or stigma.

Conference theme and organisers

The two-day regional conference, convened jointly by the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) and the Telangana State Legal Services Authority, is focused on “preventing online sexual exploitation and strengthening child-friendly justice and protection.” Its theme—“prevent, protect, investigate, provide legal aid and rehabilitation”—highlights the continuum of measures needed to safeguard children in digital spaces while ensuring swift, child-sensitive legal responses to cyber offences.

Judiciary and legal services leadership in attendance

The inaugural session was attended by senior members of the judiciary and legal services bodies, including Supreme Court Justices Vikram Nath (NLSA executive chairman), P.S. Narasimha, R. Mahadevan and Alok Aradhe. Telangana High Court Chief Justice and Supreme Court judge designate Aparesh Kumar Singh and Telangana High Court Judge P. Sam Koshy, who serves as executive chairman of the TSLSA, were also present.

Launch of bonded labour rehabilitation scheme

The gathering also marked the launch of the TSLSA’s “Freedom From Bonded Labour – Legal Aid, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Re-integration Scheme, 2026,” underscoring the legal services authorities’ broader mandate to address systemic exploitation and facilitate comprehensive rehabilitation for vulnerable groups.

Next steps

Following the Chief Minister’s directive, State departments are expected to coordinate with the High Court and the SLSA to shape the online safety framework, with emphasis on awareness, preventive mechanisms, child-friendly reporting, and access to legal aid. The conference will continue in Hyderabad with sessions aligned to its core pillars—prevention, protection, investigation, legal aid and rehabilitation—aimed at strengthening child safety protocols and justice delivery in cyberspace.

Significance

The State’s move to develop a coordinated online safety framework, coupled with renewed emphasis on accessible justice and parental engagement, signals a comprehensive push to tackle cyber threats to children. With judiciary, legal services authorities and the executive on a common platform, the initiative seeks to create a more responsive, child-centric ecosystem for prevention, reporting and redressal of online exploitation.