‘Safer internet crucial for protecting children from sexual violence’

In this digital age, the safety of children online has become a critical concern as rising tide of online child sexual abuse demands urgent action, expert has said.

In 2023 alone, over 100 million child sexual abuse images and videos were reported, with one case of online abuse being documented every second, according to Childlight’s Into the Light index.

Addressing this alarming trend, experts and advocates are calling for comprehensive measures to create a safer internet, emphasizing that protecting children from sexual violence is imperative for their well-being and development.

Recounting, Rhiannon-Faye McDonald, co-founder of the Brave Movement and the Head of Advocacy at the Marie Collins Foundation said: “I am a survivor of technology-assisted child sexual abuse. When I was 13 years old, I was groomed online by a much older man pretending to be someone else.

“Imagine the most private, vulnerable moment of your life. And imagine there being a photo of that; this is what happened to me.

“Unfortunately, I am not alone. Sexual violence against children – perpetrated both offline and online – is on the rise globally.”

Experts emphasized that in an increasingly digital world, protecting children from sexual violence requires building a safer internet. Children deserve to be safe, protected, and supported to thrive – at home, in schools, and online.

To drive the message, a new documentary called “#BeyondTheScreen: Hidden Voices of Online Abuse” was released by the Brave Movement on the 17th of July 2024.

The film highlighted the prevalence of online sexual violence and includes the lived experiences of McDonald and three other survivors from around the world.

“Although we have different experiences and come from unique circumstances, we are united in our unequivocal demand for urgent action to protect children online.

“The film showcases the powerful truth about how violence, which might start in an online sphere, often plays out in the physical world. This was certainly true in my case, leading to devastating circumstances.

“When I was 13, the man who abused me gave me lots of compliments so that I would send photos of myself to him. Ultimately, he was able to manipulate me into sending intimate photos, which were then used to blackmail me. He came to my house and continued the sexual abuse in person. The images I had sent were used to silence me.

“I chose to share this in the film to ensure no more children experience what happened to me.

“I refuse to stand by and let history repeat itself when we know what to do to make the internet safer for future generations of children. Creating a secure online world for children requires championing survivors’ knowledge and fostering collaboration among technology companies, governments, and partners.

“This collaborative effort, incorporating educational initiatives, technological solutions, and global advocacy, will shape a safer digital future that prioritizes the well-being of every child.

“We must – and we can – #EndChildhoodSexualViolence. We demand a safer online world for kids,” he affirmed.