Breaking the record of inaction in Nigeria: child-centred, grassroots advocacy for a safer digital future
Head of Region, Africa
Founder, Suburbancares; Global Survivor Council member
Latest data reveals that children are not safe online. They are at risk of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation as unregulated digital platforms rapidly evolve with AI-generated imagery. A global pandemic, 1 in 8 children globally have been subjected to online solicitation in the last 12 months. This poses a great threat for Africa, which has the largest youth demographic of any continent.
New data, the world's very first global prevalence figure of childhood sexual violence unveiled by Together for Girls' Break the Record Campaign, shows that in the past 12 months, 82 million girls and 69 million boys experienced some form of sexual violence. This is approximately 3 girls and 2 boys per second.
Launching Break the Record in Nigeria
These are staggering figures but it doesn't have to be this way. Change is possible. Sexual violence is preventable. This global scourge must be addressed, and we can certainly break this record of inaction towards ending childhood sexual violence. But this can only be realized through grassroots advocacy and adopting a child-centred approach to prevention, healing and justice.
Collaborating with grassroots organizations around ending childhood sexual violence is critical to our mission. Working together with established community leaders we discussed survivor engagement, and policy and advocacy looking at the Nigerian context.
"I’m filled with excitement for the work we’re doing. It’s inspiring to witness how collective energy and determination can turn bold ideas into real change. From bold ideas to actionable plans, the passion and eagerness of participants showcased what it truly means to drive a movement for change. Together, we’re not just imagining a better future we’re building it, one step at a time."
🌟The launch ignited a mission to build resilient communities, empower voices, and demand zero tolerance for violence against children. Every story shared was a call to action. pic.twitter.com/PRoas2HPTm
— Brave Movement (@BeBraveGlobal) December 12, 2024
Helping children be safer online
The new Break the Record data comprised research representing 193 countries and relevant to the experiences of 2.4 billion young people. It includes data from Childlight which finds that over 300 million children under the age of 18 have been affected by online child and sexual exploitation and abuse in the last 12 months. Its report shows 1 in 8 children have experienced taking, sharing, and or/exposure to sexual images and videos in the last 12 months.
Our child-centred approach
These forms of childhood sexual violence, both contact and non-contact, have serious emotional, health, and psychosocial impacts on children and youth, including into adulthood.
We collaborated with Global Survivor Council member, Dr. Bukola, founder of Suburbuncares. At Ravens Place, a school on the outskirts of Lagos, we delved into the urgent need to address online violence, with youth ambassadors facilitating group discussions with the children.
Beyond the screen
We showcased Beyond the Screen and engaged in meaningful group discussions with three different age groups to better understand their perspectives. I had the opportunity to lead the session with children aged 9-13, and what I learned was both eye-opening and deeply concerning.
"When I asked how many of them owned tablets or phones not their parents’ devices almost half of the group raised their hands. They went on to share the platforms they frequently use, with TikTok, Instagram, and Roblox emerging as the most common. What struck me was not just their familiarity with these platforms but also their startling awareness of sexual violence."
This experience was a powerful reminder of just how much work lies ahead to ensure children are truly safe in online spaces.
As digital platforms become more integrated into their lives, we must act with urgency to protect them from harm and equip them with the tools to navigate the digital world safely. The voices of these children reaffirm the critical importance of our mission.
Suburbancares and child-centred community outreach
Suburbancares has been part of the Brave Movement since 2023. Ravens Place is Suburbacares' designated trauma center for the Remo division of Ogun State. We started engaging the community around the school since 2017 and the school management has been very gracious in allowing us to use their facilities as our meeting place, which is a cost-effective model for community outreach.
"The year ahead will be driven by Suburbancares youth-led advocacy with a children's summit focused on ending Online Sexual Violence in April 2025. In addition to facilitating group dialogues with children, our model of train-the-trainers of adults in child traumatic stress is being extended to youth ambassadors to provide them needed skills of engaging children and their peers."
Related posts
Breaking the silence: the crisis of child sexual violence in Uganda
A large proportion of children in Uganda experience sexual violence but do not seek help. According to the 2015 Uganda Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) , among children aged 13-17, one in four girls (25 percent) and one in ten boys (11 percent) reported sexual violence in the previous year. For example, survivors of childhood sexual violence are at higher risk for mental health challenges, chronic health conditions, and substance abuse. Despite the 2010 Gender Based Violence (GBV) Act and The Penal Code, the use of informal methods of settling sexual violence cases involving children persists. Due to the stigma associated with sexual violence cases, such as name-calling, as well as attempts to preserve the honor, respect, and integrity of families, survivors may be forbidden to speak out. There is a dire lack of funding in Uganda, where police departments tasked with addressing childhood sexual violence operate on annual budgets as low as $200. Amplify survivor voices: Survivors must be at the forefront of the movement to end sexual violence. Systemic barriers, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and underfunded law enforcement, exacerbate the impact of sexual violence, hindering survivors' ability to heal and find justice.
We need bold and transformative action to end childhood sexual violence online
Digital platforms can and are being exploited by individuals to sexually abuse or exploit children, and new and emerging risks such as AI-generated imagery depicting child sexual abuse and financial sexual extortion are developing rapidly and further complicating efforts to end childhood sexual violence online. According to their Into the Light Index which was released earlier this year: 1 case of abuse is reported every second Online child sexual exploitation and abuse is prevalent in every country where it is measured 1 in 8 children globally have been subjected to online solicitation in the last 12 months 3.5% of children experienced sexual extortion The evidence reminds us of our collective responsibility to provide children and young people with the safe digital world that they deserve. Earlier this year, we presented a joint call to action by survivors and allies, alongside Safe Online and WeProtect Global Alliance, which called on the tech industry and other relevant stakeholders to commit to prevent and end the sexual exploitation and abuse of children online. Funding Prioritizing stable, sustained funding which tackles online child sexual exploitation and abuse is essential to addressing this issue as well. Ricardo Lins Horta highlighted evidence-based solutions from Brazil: Throughout the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, the importance of tackling childhood sexual violence online was highlighted by survivors and allies, and governments. Throughout the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, the importance of tackling childhood sexual violence online was highlighted by survivors and allies, and governments.
Young voices demand action: protecting our generation from online abuse now
Having grown up in the digital age, young people often understand the online world better than anyone else. For real change to happen, we must recognize a critical issue: discussions about online safety for young people often occur without their direct input. We must address our perspectives on the need for more education, stricter regulations, and the inclusion of young voices in online safety discussions. Young people have grown up surrounded by digital technology, and their understanding of the online world often surpasses that of older generations. It is essential that young people are included in conversations about internet safety and that their voices are heard. There have been ample discussions about what needs to be done for young people to be safe online without including any of them. Stronger regulations, improved age verification, and the inclusion of young voices in discussions about online safety are all essential steps toward protecting young people in the digital world. By increasing awareness, implementing better safety measures, and encouraging cooperation between tech companies, law enforcement, and parents, we can help make the online world safer for children. Governments must ensure that moment through their pledges; the right people are at the table and ready to take bold action to keep children safe online.
November 18th: World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence
Imagine a world where there are almost no rules. Where police will never have the time or resources to fully protect children. And where the people in charge do little to keep them from harm. Welcome to the online world.
A historic opportunity to protect children from digital harms
But behind the excitement, there’s a darker story that needs urgent attention: the safety of children and young people in the digital world. Now an advocate and survivor of technology-assisted child sexual abuse, Rhiannon-Faye is on a mission: to drive a coordinated, global response to online sexual violence. This illustrates a horrifying reality: online violence against children is a borderless crime that affects children of all genders and reaches every corner of the world. In just a few days, over 100 global leaders will gather in Bogotá, Colombia, for the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children. For the first time, global leaders will be asked to commit to ending childhood sexual violence, a critical step in the fight to protect children in all spheres, including the digital realm. Our organisations— Safe Online , the Brave Movement and WeProtect Global Alliance —along with 15 other child rights groups , will host a satellite event called ‘ Safe Digital Futures for Children ’ on the margins of the conference. Governments must prioritise digital safety in their violence prevention strategies, recognizing that online violence is a global health crisis demanding a comprehensive response. Without a strong focus on digital safety, efforts to combat violence in the digital space will remain fragmented, leaving children vulnerable to preventable harm. Ministers have a unique opportunity to lead by example and set the standard for how the world should tackle digital violence against children.
Harnessing the power of youth in addressing online sexual abuse
Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide, accounting for the largest population of young people in history.
Stay informed
Sign up to the Brave Movement monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on our efforts and learn more about how YOU can take action.
Thank you for being brave!