Protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the Internet have become an integral part of modern life, and play an important role in the educational and social development of children. However, they also expose children to new and evolving forms of sexual exploitation in the country, said civil society activists.

The digital world has amplified children's exposure to sexual exploitation and abuse, exposing children to unprecedented risks. Sexual violence against children and adolescents is a pressing issue. The consequences of child sexual exploitation and abuse are profound, leading to serious implications for children's health, societal participation and economic prospects, according to civil society activists.

Sexual abuse online can happen to any child, at any age, but there are things we can do to prevent it. Parents and carers are the first line of defence in protecting children and young people from child sexual abuse online.
We can take steps to help children avoid harm and feel safe and confident when they're online. We can do this by paying attention to their online experiences, helping them build skills, using safety features in games and apps, and making it easy for them to ask for help if things go wrong, they observed.

It's also important to have open conversations about online risks with children, without scaring them. Talking about online child sexual abuse in a way that's appropriate to their age and development makes it easier for children to speak up when they need help.

While addressing an event, civil society activists stressed on taking necessary steps aimed at protecting children from the risks of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

Despite initiatives at different level to protect child rights, children continue to face online harassment in the country, which discourage them to use the online platform. Hence it has become imperative for all concerned to play a constructive role in protecting the rights of children, they observed.

They made the remarks while addressing an online meeting held with the participation of partners, marking the World Children's Day and Child Rights Weeks. INCIDIN Bangladesh and National Action and Coordination Group (NACG) jointly organized the event with a slogan titled 'Listen to the future, stand up children's rights'.

Terming children as future generation, the speakers stressed on the promotion of child rights and saving children from the risks of online sexual abuse and exploitation.