Urgent Action Needed in Fight Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in Kenya

The safety of children in the digital age is a critical concern that demands immediate attention. Shockingly, it is estimated that the reported child sexual abuse material (CSAM) globally stands at 105.6 million (CyberTipline 2023).

In Kenya, the situation mirrors this sad reality, with a significant number of children who have been exposed to any manifestation of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) also falling victim to in-person physical, sexual, or emotional violence, as revealed in the 2021 Disrupting Harm Report.

Urgent action is therefore needed to address this pressing issue and safeguard the safety of children online.

According to the Disrupting Harm Report, a significant portion of Kenyan children are active internet users, with 67% of 12–17-year-old children using the internet.

This signifies that the older the children are, the more they tend to stay online. 13% of children also reported having been asked to talk about sex unwillingly, thus experiencing OCSEA. Alarmingly, 38% of children did not report these incidents due to not knowing whom to tell, or for fear of being blamed.

The Terre des Hommes Netherlands’ Safety for Children and Their Rights Online (SCROL) Baseline Survey conducted in Kenya reveals that children between 12-17 years are more likely to physically meet a stranger they met online, with 23.1% acknowledging to have met strangers online, which makes them the most vulnerable age group.

Key Findings on Children Online Experiences

Additionally, the SCROL Baseline Survey Report by Terre des Hommes Netherlands reveals that caregivers and parents admit to applying restrictive measures in a bid to protect their children from online risks.

While these measures may initially reduce children’s exposure to risks, they can also hinder their digital skills and familiarity with the online environment in the long run.

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Children may also resort to clever and riskier ways of accessing the internet through gadgets thus exposing themselves to even greater danger.

The threats faced by children online are diverse and evolving. Internet Watch Foundation’s new annual report shows that the majority of the reports they receive concern ‘self-generated’ content (content made by children themselves) usually because they were groomed or extorted.

This shows that grooming is the leading cause of the production of child sexual abuse imagery.

This is a trend noted since 2021. Before then, this was not the case! Importantly, according to the Internet Watch Foundation, while girls are sexually extorted for more images, boys are sexually extorted for money.

The devastating impact of OCSEA cannot be overstated, as it inflicts psychological trauma and long-lasting emotional distress on children. Additionally, OCSEA often leads to social isolation, physical harm, disrupted education, and a host of enduring consequences that hinder children’s overall well-being and development.

Collaborative Solutions to Combat Online Exploitation

As the threat of OCSEA continues to grow, there is a need for decisive and concerted action from all stakeholders, including government actors, Civil Society Organisations, private sectors (travel and tourism, hotels etc), parents and communities, and children themselves.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Childline Kenya (CLK) have emerged as pivotal organisations driving change through the implementation of the SCROL programme. Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Childline Kenya, in collaboration with Governmental departments such as the Directorate of Children Services and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, alongside other actors, have taken the lead in addressing OCSEA.

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The impactful #OnlineSafetyChampions campaign, for example, effectively raised awareness and sensitized children and parents on the various forms of OCSEA, its effects, prevention strategies, and reporting mechanisms.

Addressing OCSEA demands a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders. Governments must enact robust policies, allocate adequate resources, and strengthen legal frameworks to safeguard children’s rights and hold perpetrators accountable.

Improved reporting mechanisms and child-friendly support services are essential for aiding victims and preventing further harm.

Furthermore, it is recommended to invest in the training of law enforcement personnel to effectively combat OCSEA and ensure the successful implementation of the National Plan of Action.

Empowering Communities to Protect Children Online

Additionally, there is a need for mass campaigns and awareness activities targeting communities, including schools, and the provision of child-friendly services for victims of OCSEA from the point of reporting to prosecution.

Equipping frontline workers with the necessary skills and resources will enhance their capacity to respond promptly and effectively to such cases. This comprehensive approach will strengthen the legal framework and foster a more coordinated and informed response across various sectors involved in child protection.

Every stakeholder must play a role in creating a safer digital environment for children. Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Childline Kenya continue their commitment to strengthen collaborations with key state and non-state actors, advocate for OCSEA prevention and champion children’s and young persons’ rights online.  Let us join hands and take urgent action now to ensure the safety and well-being of our children online.

Article written by Magdalene Wanza, Country Director, Kenya, Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Martha Sunda, Executive Director, Childline Kenya.

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