- 19-Apr-2025
- Healthcare and Medical Malpractice
If a child is being manipulated, coerced, or influenced by a third party, parents have both legal and practical options to protect their child’s emotional and physical well-being. Manipulation by a third party can take various forms, including psychological abuse, coercion, or exploitation, and it may come from sources like friends, family members, or even abusive partners.
In India, the law recognizes the parental duty to protect children from harm, including the harmful influence of third parties. Here are the actions parents can take to safeguard their child's rights and welfare:
Before taking legal or practical steps, parents must first assess the nature and extent of the manipulation. Some signs of manipulation might include:
The first practical step is to talk openly with the child in a non-judgmental manner. It's important to create a safe space where the child feels comfortable sharing their experiences. Parents should:
This approach will allow parents to better understand the situation and determine whether the manipulation is a form of coercion, emotional abuse, or undue influence.
If the manipulation is serious and has led to emotional or psychological harm, parents should consider seeking help from a mental health professional. A counselor, therapist, or psychologist can provide:
If the manipulation involves abuse, exploitation, or coercion, parents can take legal action. Various laws exist to protect children from harm and interference by third parties.
In India, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 provides strong safeguards for children against any form of sexual abuse, exploitation, or coercion. While primarily related to sexual offenses, it can apply to situations where a third party is coercing or manipulating a child for exploitative purposes. The act empowers parents and authorities to intervene on behalf of the child.
Under the Juvenile Justice Act, children who are being manipulated, abused, or forced into harmful situations can seek the protection of the law. This includes:
Parents can file a complaint with the CWC or the police, requesting immediate action to protect the child from further manipulation. The authorities can then initiate an inquiry and take corrective action, which may include removing the child from the manipulative environment.
If the manipulation involves a family member or someone within the household (e.g., a partner, relative, or step-parent), the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) can provide legal remedies. Although it is primarily designed to protect women from domestic violence, it also covers emotional abuse and psychological manipulation. If the child is in an abusive environment due to a third-party manipulator, parents can file for protection orders or restraining orders.
If a third party is undermining the parents' authority or has legal custody over the child, the parents can petition the family court for custody or to regain control over the child's welfare. The court can review the situation and may issue a guardianship order, effectively removing the child from the influence of the manipulative party.
In situations where a third party is influencing the child, parents can work to strengthen their bond with the child through open communication and active involvement in the child’s life. Parents can:
Parents should also focus on educating their child about manipulative behaviors. Teaching the child to recognize toxic relationships and how to assert their personal boundaries can help protect them from future manipulation. This education can be provided through:
Parents can also reach out to support networks such as extended family members, friends, or community leaders who can help in identifying and combating manipulation. Sometimes, the involvement of trusted third parties can help to break the hold of the manipulator.
A 16-year-old child is being emotionally manipulated by a close relative who uses guilt to make the child turn against their parents. The parents, after realizing the situation, speak to a counselor to help the child understand the unhealthy nature of the relationship. Simultaneously, they file a complaint with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to request official intervention. The CWC takes up the case, investigates, and ensures the child’s protection while providing psychological support to both the child and the family.
A 14-year-old is being coerced by their peers to engage in risky behavior like skipping school or experimenting with substances. The parents engage with the child, explain the dangers, and seek professional counseling. They also inform the school authorities and take legal action if the peers are causing harm through bullying or threats.
If parents discover that their child is being manipulated by a third party, they have several legal and practical options to protect the child’s well-being and interests. These include seeking help from professionals like counselors, filing complaints with child protection authorities, involving the courts for custody or guardianship arrangements, and strengthening their relationship with the child to ensure open communication. The Juvenile Justice Act, the POCSO Act, and other child protection laws provide avenues for immediate intervention, while education and preventive measures can help the child avoid manipulation in the future. Parents are encouraged to act swiftly and decisively to protect their child from any form of coercion or emotional abuse by third parties.
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