Concerns are mounting over the growing exposure of children in Ghana to the internet, as incidents of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) continue to rise, according to experts and recent findings by UNICEF.

A 2017 UNICEF study on children’s online activities in Ghana revealed that two in ten children aged 9 to 17 had received sexual messages through social media platforms, including explicit texts, pictures, or videos. Alarmingly, the trend appears to have worsened in recent years, with more children being targeted by online predators.

The study also found that two in ten children had met someone in person whom they first encountered online, raising significant safety concerns. Additionally, half of the children surveyed had come across sexual images online, while four in ten reported feeling unsafe while using the internet.

Half of the children also disclosed having distressing experiences while online, underlining the urgent need for action.

Alarming Vulnerability

The E-Crime Bureau has warned of an alarming increase in children’s vulnerability online, with young people being coerced into creating harmful content. Experts are urging parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s internet activities to mitigate these risks.

“There’s a dire need to address the dangers of the internet, particularly for children, who are increasingly falling victim to online exploitation,” said Eric Kwaku Mensah, Project Lead for Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse at the E-Crime Bureau. “Equipping law enforcement to handle these issues is crucial as many physical crimes have now transitioned to the digital space.”

Tackling the Crisis

To combat the rising threat, UNICEF has introduced a training manual for police officers to address OCSEA cases. On November 15, police training school facilitators were introduced to the manual at a session in Kumasi, designed to prepare them to train new recruits.

UNICEF believes involving law enforcement and intensifying public education will play a pivotal role in curbing the exploitation of children online.

“The dangers children face online are growing,” said Mensah. “We must act swiftly to protect them and ensure the internet becomes a safer space for all.”

As efforts intensify, stakeholders are calling for collective responsibility, including enhanced education and parental oversight, to protect children from falling prey to online predators.

Source:TheDotNews