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Protect children from online sex abuse
Laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, aim to protect children from online predators.
What you need to know:
- Online sexual abuse can take many forms, including cyberbullying, sextortion, grooming and sharing of explicit content.
- Predators exploit this naivety, using manipulative tactics to establish trust with children and exploit them for sexual purposes.
The rapid growth of internet access and social media platforms has brought significant benefits, including improved communication and educational opportunities.
However, it has also facilitated a disturbing rise in online sexual abuse of children. This has become increasingly pervasive, with children being targeted by predators who exploit their vulnerability in digital spaces.
Online sexual abuse can take many forms, including cyberbullying, sextortion, grooming and sharing of explicit content. With many children spending a considerable amount of time online for education and entertainment, they are often unaware of the dangers lurking on the internet.
Predators exploit this naivety, using manipulative tactics to establish trust with children and exploit them for sexual purposes. In some cases, perpetrators pressure minors into sharing explicit images or engaging in sexual conversations, which can have long-lasting psychological consequences.
Most vulnerable citizens
The Kenyan government and non-governmental organisations have made efforts to address this issue. Laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, aim to protect children from online predators.
However, the enforcement of these laws remains a challenge, partly due to the evolving nature of technology and the anonymity the internet provides perpetrators. Additionally, many parents and guardians lack the necessary knowledge and tools to protect their children effectively.
Education, awareness and robust law enforcement are crucial in tackling this issue. Parents, teachers, and community leaders must be educated on how to recognise signs of online sexual abuse and how to intervene. Technology companies also have a role to play by improving their safety measures and reporting mechanisms.
Only through collective efforts can Kenya combat the rise of online sexual abuse and protect its most vulnerable citizens; its children.
The writer is a sexual and reproduction health and youth advocate at Naya Kenya; [email protected]
