Dr. M. C. Rasmin
Young girls and vulnerable children—whether due to social, economic, or other factors—are highly susceptible to online child sexual abuse and other forms of harm. Not only parents but also some children experience negative online experiences, even when raised by caregivers. Lack of knowledge, inadequate comprehensive sexuality education, overuse of technology, the default and pervasive nature of tech platforms, poor mental health, isolation, risk-seeking behavior, excessive exposure to dating apps, and building relationships with strangers online, all contribute to putting children in jeopardy on digital platforms. However, simply restricting their access, policing their actions, or imposing excessive controls over their digital use will not be beneficial. This insight emerged during the virtual session of the Online Child Protection Advocates Program, implemented by the International Foundation for Digital Child.
The Advocates Program, aimed at safeguarding children from online exploitation, recently took place with the goal of creating a community of digitally-savvy professionals dedicated to preventing online child sexual abuse across Sri Lanka. The second program was conducted by Zoe de Melo, Thematic Programme Manager – Sexual Exploitation of Children at Terre des Hommes Netherlands Asia Regional Office, and facilitated by Ms. Thushana Sathasivam. The session explored crucial aspects of digital safety for children and Advocates Program members.
This initiative plays a vital role in raising awareness and offering necessary training on online safety across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, ensuring that children and families at risk of digital harm have access to the resources they need. The session focused on the digital mental well-being of children, treating it as a fundamental human right, and imparted essential knowledge about digital security and hygiene to both children and their parents.
The program consists of a series of six virtual seminars, with experts such as Dr. Sumudu Mallawaarachchi, a research fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child at the University of Wollongong, and Anil Raghuvanshi, Founder and President of ChildSafeNet, contributing to the discussions. Other contributors include Pratishtha Arora, CEO of Social & Media Matters, and Dr. Nayana Perera, an expert in clinical and health psychology.
The Evolution of the Initiative
Originally named the Online Child Protection Ambassador Program, the initiative was rebranded to avoid confusion with the existing ambassador program of Sri Lanka’s National Child Protection Authority. The name was changed to Online Child Protection Advocates Program after consulting with participants, aligning more closely with the unique objectives of the program while emphasizing its purpose of protecting children from online harm.
Exploring Online Harm, Mental Health, and Gender
In the second session, a key topic discussed was the intersection of online harm, mental health, and gender. It was stressed that online transactional exploitation should be understood as a form of gender-based violence. This includes recognizing how gender dynamics influence the nature of online harm—whether it’s sexual exploitation or harassment—highlighting that these harms affect children differently based on gender.
The session highlighted the bidirectional relationship between online exploitation and mental health struggles. Children who fall victim to online harm often experience severe mental health consequences, and conversely, children with pre-existing mental health issues may be more vulnerable to exploitation. The discussion reinforced the need for comprehensive, evidence-based approaches that consider both the causes and consequences of online abuse.
A significant part of the conversation focused on the importance of an intersectional approach in addressing online harm. This approach takes into account multiple factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, which collectively shape a child’s vulnerability to online exploitation. By considering these factors, it becomes possible to design more effective, tailored interventions that address specific vulnerabilities.
Defining Online Harm and Vulnerabilities
The session defined online harm as any damage facilitated through connected technology. This includes cyberbullying, harassment, scamming, and various forms of sexual violence, such as child sexual abuse materials, grooming, and sexual extortion.
A particular focus was placed on online grooming, which, while it may not always lead to immediate harm, has long-lasting psychological effects—especially when it eventually results in offline interactions. It was emphasized that recognizing the early signs of grooming is crucial in preventing further harm.
Children’s vulnerabilities to online harm were discussed in depth, with an emphasis on marginalized groups. These include girls, children from low-income backgrounds, children with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Research presented during the session revealed troubling statistics: 96% of known sexual abuse materials involve girls, and 83% of grooming cases predominantly affect girls. However, it was acknowledged that boys are also increasingly targeted, particularly in cases of sexual extortion.
Assessing and Understanding Vulnerability
The second session also introduced a unique toolkit for assessing children’s vulnerability in the online space. The toolkit uses a metaphor of an onion with many layers to describe the different factors that contribute to a child’s vulnerability. These layers include family dynamics, past trauma, mental health status, and social support systems—each of which can influence a child’s risk of falling prey to online exploitation.
One of the core ideas explored was that children’s vulnerability is shaped not just by their circumstances but also by their resilience. The session introduced the concept of a child’s “battery,” where a child with a “high battery”—someone with a strong support system and digital safety knowledge—is less likely to be at risk of online harm. On the other hand, a “low battery” child, who faces isolation, lacks support, or has little understanding of digital platforms, is more vulnerable to exploitation.
Gender and Online Harm
A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the gendered nature of online harm. It was noted that online harm, particularly sexual exploitation, often targets girls due to existing gender norms. Girls are more likely to be exploited online, while boys are increasingly subjected to sexual extortion—illustrating how gendered power dynamics play out in the digital space.
Understanding these gendered dynamics is essential in creating protection strategies that address the distinct risks faced by children based on their gender. The session reinforced that addressing online exploitation requires a nuanced understanding of how gender shapes children’s experiences with technology and online spaces.
A Holistic Approach to Child Protection
The session concluded with a reminder that addressing online harm is a multi-dimensional issue that cannot be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach. Children are shaped by various intersecting factors, such as gender, mental health, and socioeconomic status—all of which contribute to their vulnerabilities in the digital world. Therefore, the importance of a comprehensive, intersectional approach in child protection was emphasized.
By considering all the elements that contribute to a child’s risk profile, we can develop more targeted and effective interventions. The session also highlighted the necessity of collaboration among families, communities, governments, and tech companies to protect children in the digital age.
Conclusion
The issues of gender inequality, mental health, and online harm are deeply intertwined and require a collective response. The responsibility to protect children from online harm lies not with any single entity, but with families, communities, governments, and tech companies—all of whom must work together to address these challenges. By understanding the complexities of vulnerability and the gendered nature of online harm, we can better equip children, families, and communities to create safer, more supportive digital environments.
Author: Author is a Digital Media Literacy Trainer, Lecturer, and Researcher Focused on Online Child Safety and Digital Mental Well-being
Facilitator – Ms. Thushana Sathasivam