Nairobi: Child rights organisation Terre des Hommes Netherlands is launching the ‘Also Online’ campaign to make parents and caregivers aware of how to protect their children better online. This initiative addresses critical gaps identified in the recent 2023 SCROL baseline study in Kenya, which highlights that 60% of parents and caregivers possess low levels of knowledge regarding online child sexual exploitation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the study further reveals that approximately 38.8% of children feel their parents do not comprehend internet and social media functionalities. This lack of digital literacy among caregivers hinders their ability to effectively shield children from online sexual exploitation and related risks. Terre des Hommes Netherlands’ research indicates that socio-economic challenges, low digital literacy, and authoritative parenting styles further impair this protective capacity.
Magdalene Wanza, Kenya Country Director for Terre des Hommes Netherlands, emphasized the importance of equipping parents and caregivers to guide children in identifying and responding to online risks. The ‘Also Online’ campaign encourages open dialogues using simple conversation starters, aiming to bridge the gap between the digital and real worlds.
Online child sexual exploitation poses a growing global crisis. According to Childlight (2024), over 300 million children have fallen victim to such exploitation and abuse in the past year. In Kenya alone, 2023 witnessed over 46,000 reports of online child sexual abuse and exploitation, as recorded by the Cybertipline (NCMEC).
Research from 2025 underscores the significant knowledge and communication gap between children and their caregivers regarding online sexual exploitation. Many children prefer confiding in peers or counsellors rather than their parents, complicating parental intervention in cases of online child sexual exploitation. Common forms of exploitation include online grooming, sextortion, livestreaming, and the distribution of child sexual abuse materials.
Findings from the Disrupting Harm report (2021) highlight that 7% of children aged 12-17 have been offered money or gifts for sexual images, while 3% have faced online threats or blackmail for sexual activities. Moreover, 7% have had their sexual images shared without consent.
Despite these challenges, some caregivers in Kenya are finding ways to empower children to safely navigate the online world, serving as role models in this crucial fight. To support these efforts, the ‘Also Online’ campaign offers practical tips and tools on the Terre des Hommes Netherlands website, empowering caregivers to engage in open, supportive, and safe conversations with their children.