Social media: Are your children victims of abuse?
Children who have been sexually exploited online usually do not talk about it.
A 2020 Unicef Disrupting Harm study found that 95% of South African children aged between nine and 17 years have access to the internet via cellphones, tablets, computers or gaming consoles.
Of the 2 643 respondents, 70% use the internet without parental consent and a further 18% have admitted to sending or receiving nude or sexually explicit images of themselves or acquaintances they have met online through social media sites.
According to Tinyiko Chauke, a social worker at Lifeline Ekurhuleni, parents need to get more involved with their children’s internet activities and speak honestly about the risks involved.
“The internet is a wonderful tool and has in recent years allowed us to become part of a global community,” she said.
“It has also become a breeding ground for predators to access children and groom them into sharing inappropriate images of themselves.”
Elizabeth Steenkamp, an independent social worker, echoed these statements, saying many children and youths do not realise the risks and consequences involved when they engage in this manner.
“In many cases, victims do not realise the like-minded new friend on any given social media platform may be a sexual predator hiding behind one of many profiles disguised as a young boy or girl,” she said.
“They also do not realise that once any sexually explicit images or videos are sent, it remains on the web forever.
“When you click send, those images are out of your control and can be used within the dark web on pornography sites.”
In a revision made to the Sexual Offences Act, anyone older than 14 years can now be charged with distributing child pornography should they be found with nude and other sexually explicit materials, even if the subject is known to them and sent it voluntarily.
Both social workers agree parents should become more involved with their children’s online interactions and should place any and all measures in place to prevent dangerous internet usage.
“Parents need to talk to their children about the rights and responsibilities that come with ‘connected’ devices,” said Chauke.
“Don’t give your children too much online freedom and ensure you are emulating responsible social media behaviours, as children learn through example.”
Steenkamp agreed, saying parents should take the lead in educating their children about sex and sexual relationships.
“Children have access to too much inappropriate information regarding sex,” she said.
“It is an uncomfortable topic, yet it is one that should be spoken about openly at home within a safe and conducive environment.”
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