Stalking, online grooming, extortion, and sexual abuse materials. These are some of the threats that children face online today. In Asia, the scale of this issue is alarming.
For instance, 1 in 5 children in the Philippines, 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys in Nepal, and 1 in 10 children in Cambodia reported having experienced online sexual abuse and exploitation. Globally, it is estimated that over 300 million children suffered sexual exploitation online in the past year. The grave intensity of the problem demands immediate action. Now more than ever, safeguarding children in digital spaces is as important as protecting them in the physical world.
Family – the first line of defence
For a child, family is often the first line of defence. Parents and caregivers are trusted support systems. But, are they equipped to manage online risks that children face?
According to a recent research by Terre des Hommes Netherlands, parents are often overwhelmed by digital technology and lack the knowledge and tools to protect their children. This increases children’s exposure and vulnerability to online abuse.
The study, based on focus group discussions and interviews with 338 respondents in Cambodia, Nepal and the Philippines, highlights the urgent need to bridge this intergenerational digital divide and encourage open communication between parents and children.
Encouraging open communication
Yet, talking about online experiences isn’t always easy. Children may hesitate to open up, while parents may struggle to know what to say or ask. A good starting point?
Simple conversation starters that connect both offline and online worlds. Here are some examples :
How was your day? Also Online
Have fun, but be careful. Also Online
Will you let me know where you are? Also Online
Don’t talk to strangers. Also Online
These gentle prompts help normalise online safety as part of everyday parenting, making it easier for children to open up and for parents to guide.
Resources for parents
To support parents and caregivers, Terre des Hommes Netherlands launched the ‘Also Online’ campaign—an initiative offering practical tools and guidance, including:
- Do’s and Don’ts for effective communication with children
- Parental app guide to navigate mobile safety
- Webazine (web-based magazines) featuring stories and insights from parents across Asia
- And more resources to empower families to act
All materials are available at: int.terredeshommes.nl/also-online
Let us work towards a world where we invest in solutions that empower parents to protect their children online better!
