The online world is moving fast. In the last three decades, our lives have transformed beyond recognition. From days when we were connecting online from old-LAN computers and cell phones, we now find ourselves immersed in an uncontrolled digital revolution, with Artificial Intelligence and the realms of the Metaverse knocking at our screens.
Yet, as our digital world expands, so do its challenges. Beneath the wonders of the online world lies a darker reality, which contains new forms of dangers such as identity theft, data breaches, violence and discrimination. Worst among these harms, child sexual abuse and exploitation is increasing and evolving every year.
Child sexual abuse and exploitation is happening online, often out of our sight, but with real consequences for the children around us. To prevent harm, it is essential to comprehend the workings of the online world and implement measures that safeguard children from online sexual abuse—without resorting to a complete prohibition of internet access or other restrictive measures. It’s about knowing and using a range of methods and tools to both protect and empower children in their digital lives.
With a focus on the tools to prevent child sexual abuse online, ECPAT calls on government officials, tech companies, professionals, and caregivers to unite and activate on this issue. How? The answers lie in becoming aware of the risks and manifestations of child sexual abuse online and learn which tools are available to fight this horrendous crime. It’s a collective responsibility to educate ourselves and act, ensuring children benefit from the internet and are protected from harm.
Meet ECPAT Project Beacon – Putting children’s rights into the heart of digital policy
What do the EU citizens really think about data privacy and child protection online?
How far are we to ensure Child Safety Online in the EU? A timeline of events.
Towards online child protection in the EU
Why Does Online Child Protection Matter? Here is ECPAT Project Beacon to explain why
ECPAT welcomes European Commission’s proposal to prevent and combat child sexual abuse
What is ECPAT doing to ensure Child Safety Online in the EU?
As part of the current revision of the Recast Child Sexual Abuse Directive (2011/93/EU), ECPAT International, in collaboration with the ECLAG coalition, has prepared key advocacy documents, including an advocacy paper outlining our main recommendations to strengthen the Directive and detailed memos addressing specific issues in depth (1. Penalties for online crimes, 2. Consent, 3. Statutes of limitations, 4. Prevention, 5. Assistance and support to victims, 6. The right to compensation, 7. The definition of survivors).
Available in: English
From June 3-7, 2024, ECPAT International hosted the San José Dialogue – Collective Action to End Child Sexual Exploitation in the Americas in Costa Rica. With 116 participants from 20 countries, the workshop brought together ECPAT members, government representatives, NGOs, and private sector partners to tackle the pressing issue of child sexual exploitation.
The workshop explored emerging trends, cross-border challenges, and the importance of empowering Indigenous communities and incorporating the voices of children and survivors into prevention strategies.
This report captures key insights and actionable steps to drive collaboration and innovation across the region, reinforcing our shared commitment to protecting every child from sexual exploitation.
Available in: English
The ECPAT Country Overview on Nigeria provides a comprehensive summary of all forms of sexual exploitation of children in the country, assessing achievements and challenges in implementing counteractions to eliminate this issue. It suggests concrete priority actions urgently needed to proactively advance the national fight against sexual exploitation of children.
The ECPAT Country Overview for Nigeria also incorporates insights from fourteen key informants, including representatives from civil society organisations working in child protection, organisations supporting child survivors and those aiding children in conflict areas, law enforcement professionals and government representatives.
Available in: English
From August 26–29, 2024, ECPAT International convened the South Asia Regional Workshop on Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Kathmandu, Nepal. This workshop brought together over 60 participants from civil society, international agencies, government entities, and youth advocates to address the urgent issue of child sexual exploitation across the region.
This report captures the key discussions, findings, and recommendations from the event, offering insights into how emerging trends like technology, migration, and climate change are shaping children’s vulnerabilities. It is a vital resource for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working to combat child sexual exploitation and build a safer future for all children in South Asia.
Available in: English
The case study conducted with My Friend’s Place in Los Angeles, USA, looks at how to work with boys and male youth affected by sexual exploitation and abuse in situations of homelessness and marginalization.
Available in: English
From May 27-31, 2024, ECPAT International, in collaboration with key partners, hosted the Collective Action: End Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Regional Workshop in Saly, Senegal. The workshop aimed to galvanise regional efforts to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in West, Central, and North Africa.
This report captures the rich insights, challenges, and promising practices shared during the workshop. It serves as a vital resource for guiding future actions and shaping a unified approach towards combatting child sexual exploitation and abuse, including in the digital world.
Available in: English, French