A recent survey by Save the Children in Finland reveals alarming levels of online sexual abuse affecting children, with at least one in five children experiencing such abuse and one in three girls impacted. The study, conducted among 4,106 children aged 11 to 17, found that 31% had been contacted online by an adult or someone at least five years older, and of these, 67% experienced sexual abuse. The most common form of abuse involved adults sending sexually explicit messages, often escalating to sexual content within an hour. Other reported abuses included requests for children to perform sexual acts on video.
The survey highlighted manipulative tactics used by perpetrators, such as offering small gifts, rewards, or, in some cases, applying force or threats to coerce children. Around 25% of children who received messages from adults reported being offered a reward for sexual activity, while at least 14% experienced threats or coercion. Many children described these experiences as distressing, with the majority hesitant to share what happened. Over 60% of victims had not told anyone, and those who did often confided only in friends. Many children did not report the abuse because they considered it commonplace or not serious enough.
Heidi Näppi, Development Manager of the Finnish Hotline Nettivihje at Save the Children, emphasized that children, including those in primary school or younger, are being targeted in the safety of their own homes due to easy internet access. She stressed that adults, not children, hold the responsibility for ensuring safety online.
In response, Save the Children in Finland is launching a nationwide campaign from 18 to 30 September using television, social media, and digital advertising to raise awareness among parents of primary school children. The campaign aims to help parents recognize child sexual abuse and take proactive steps to protect children. Preventive measures recommended by the agency include strengthening digital security skills, implementing age-appropriate sex education, and ensuring that online platforms take responsibility for preventing the spread of child sexual abuse material.
Related Posts
