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?
The VOICE Research Child Friendly/Accessible Report on Child Safety Online is a resource designed with and for children to ensure that vital information about child safety online is accessible to all children. Created with input from past and present members of the Eurochild Children’s Council, the report reflects the perspectives of children and young people on digital safety. It highlights key issues, challenges, and recommendations for creating safer online spaces, emphasizing the importance of informed and protected digital engagement for children worldwide.
Available in: English
This publication is based on a documentation of practice undertaken by ECPAT International within the project “Together to End Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel & Tourism in Phang Nga”. It reflects the experiences documented throughout the implementation of the project that offers a model for building sustainable tourism destinations with child protection at the core.
Available in: English, Thai
The Central Asia Regional Workshop on Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, held from September 25 to 27, 2024, at the Wyndham Hotel Tashkent, brought together a diverse and dedicated group of twenty-eight stakeholders to address the critical and complex challenges of child sexual exploitation and abuse across the region.
This report presents a comprehensive account of the discussions, insights, and recommendations that emerged over the three days. It aims to serve as a resource for stakeholders across the region, offering both a reflection on the current state of child protection efforts and a roadmap for future actions.
Available in: English
Held from 30 September to 3 October 2024 in Vienna, the Collective Action to End Child Sexual Exploitation in Europe Workshop brought together a group of 49 participants from thirty countries, including ECPAT members, partners, civil society organisations, and child rights advocates.
The workshop focused on tackling the urgent challenges of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Europe, where risks are rising due to migration, technology, and systemic inequalities. Participants explored key issues, including the risks faced by children on the move and technology’s role in both enabling and preventing exploitation, through discussions, working groups, and expert panels.
This report highlights the insights on survivor perspectives, systemic barriers to justice, and on the role of the law enforcement and private sector in combatting child sexual abuse and exploitation. It provides a roadmap for strengthening child protection systems through collective learning and collaboration.
Available in: English
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