The internet has become an integral part of daily life, offering children opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment. However, it also presents significant risks, particularly in the form of Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE). This growing global concern involves offenders using digital platforms to target vulnerable children.

A global study by Thorn revealed that one in three minors aged 9-17 reported experiencing a sexual interaction online, including one in five among children aged 9-12. Additionally, one in seven minors in this age group admitted to sharing nude images, with the rate increasing to one in six among teenagers. Research conducted by PEaCE Sri Lanka, using international data from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), found that in 2023 alone, hundreds of thousands of explicit images of teenagers were detected online. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has also indicated that both boys and girls are frequently targeted for ‘sextortion,’ emphasizing that this crime can affect individuals of any gender or age.

Understanding OCSAE and Its Prevalence

OCSAE encompasses various forms of exploitation, including grooming, the dissemination of explicit content, and coercion into sexual acts. As technology evolves, so do the tactics employed by offenders, necessitating a proactive approach from parents, caregivers, and communities to protect children online.

The prevalence of OCSAE is alarming, both globally and within Sri Lanka. The IWF reported that over 252,000 websites contained child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in 2022. The NCMEC documented over 29 million suspected child sexual exploitation cases in the same year, reflecting a sharp rise in incidents. The WeProtect Global Alliance estimates that one in three internet users worldwide is a child, exposing millions to online sexual exploitation each year. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, with lockdowns increasing children’s screen time and leaving them unsupervised online. This shift provided predators with more opportunities to exploit vulnerable children, as evidenced by a 106% increase in reported cases of online child sexual exploitation in 2020 compared to the previous year.

The Sri Lankan Context

Sri Lanka is also grappling with the rising threat of OCSAE. With internet access expanding rapidly and smartphone usage becoming widespread, children are increasingly at risk. A 2021 report by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) highlighted a significant surge in OCSAE cases, with many going unreported due to stigma and lack of awareness. In response to this crisis, the International Foundation for Digital Child (IFDC), a Sri Lankan initiative founded by technologists and psychologists, launched the Online Child Protection Advocates (#OPAS) program. This initiative aims to empower individuals across the country to raise national awareness and foster a community of critical thinkers on the issue.

As part of OPAS, IFDC conducted a virtual survey among 121 applicants who attended a recent seminar. Seventy-four participants responded, providing valuable insights into public perceptions of OCSAE prevention strategies. Among the respondents, 58.7% were undergraduate students, 13.0% were classified under ‘Other’ occupations, 10.9% worked for NGOs, 8.7% were employed in the private sector, and 4.3% worked in the public sector. Additionally, 4.3% were self-employed.

Key Findings and the Need for Action

Findings from the survey underscore the urgent need for intervention. A significant majority (78.4%) of participants regarded addressing OCSAE as very important, with stronger agreement among females (84.8%) compared to males (67.9%). This highlights the necessity of awareness campaigns and targeted interventions, particularly in communities where knowledge about OCSAE remains limited. The importance of awareness was further emphasized by 91.9% of respondents, who agreed that educating the public on OCSAE is crucial in combating the issue. Schools, parents, and community organizations must collaborate to inform children about online safety and the risks associated with online interactions.

The survey also highlighted the significance of promoting responsible device usage and healthy screen time habits, with 81.1% of participants supporting this measure as a key preventive strategy. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in setting boundaries, monitoring online activities, and encouraging balanced screen time to reduce exposure to potential risks. Additionally, 87.8% of respondents stressed the importance of teaching children about digital mental well-being, equipping them with strategies to handle negative online experiences and emotional challenges associated with online interactions.

Another crucial finding was the necessity of educating parents and caregivers on effective digital parenting, with 86.5% of participants considering this measure very important. Many parents lack the knowledge and skills to navigate online safety measures, making it imperative to provide them with resources and training. Furthermore, access to digital counseling for affected children was also deemed essential by 86.5% of respondents. Providing professional support to victims can help them recover from trauma and reintegrate into a healthy digital environment.

Conclusion

Online Child Sexual Abuse remains a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. While digital platforms offer numerous benefits, they also expose children to serious threats. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of awareness, education, and proactive measures in safeguarding children from online exploitation. Parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders must collaborate to foster a safer digital landscape. By promoting responsible technology use, teaching digital mental well-being, and equipping parents with essential skills, children can be better prepared to navigate the online world safely. Providing counseling services for victims is also crucial in supporting their recovery. As a society, the responsibility to protect children from online exploitation must be prioritized. Urgent action is needed to ensure that the internet remains a space for learning and growth, rather than one of harm. Through collective efforts, it is possible to create a safer digital future for the next generation.

About the Author

Haneefa A. Wahab (BA), PGD in Psychology (UoP), PGD in Child Rights and Protection (UoC), Child Protection Officer, and Member of the International Foundation for Digital Child’s Committee.