Pilot studies on online sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Karnataka recommended that digital literacy and online security be a compulsory part of the school curriculum, starting with the primary level.
Protection of children from online risks requires joint efforts of parents, educators, politicians and communities, she said that a study jointly conducted by Childfund India and Karnataka of the State Child Rights Rights (KSCPC).
A study on the study entitled “Online Risks of Children: Focus on online sexual exploitation and children’s abuse” was published on Friday by the chairman of the legislative Board of Basavaraj Horatti in Bengalur.
“This report is a comprehensive effort about understanding the digital experiences of children in carnation, capturing knowledge from children, as well as parents, teachers and participating parties to protect children.
Objectives of study
The main objective of this study was to explore the nature and prevalence of “online sexual exploitation and abuse of children” (OSEAC) in the CARNATION estimated to prevalence Omeac in children aged 8 to 18 years.
In the first phase, five districts from Karnataka (Chamarajanagar, Raichur, Chikkamagalur, Belagavi and Bengaluru) were selected. In the next phase, schools of different types were sampled from rural and urban areas that formed units in the second level of sampling (SSU). Subsequently, the individual respondents who consisted of the final sampling units (USUS) were sampled. Each of the five districts was selected six schools from each of the five districts of AZ each of these schools were sampled with 30 students (10 each of 8-11 years, 12-14 years and 15-18 years). Two children from the school around sampled schools were also included. Overall, 903 school children were covered in the study.
Key recommendations
The study noted that the Covid-19 pandemic significantly increased the exposure of children online risks and emphasized the urgent need for corrective measures. Parental supervision, teachers’ training and digital literacy have been critical as critical areas for prevention and alleviating risks. However, the social stigma continues to represent significant challenges and discourage victims and families before searching for assistance.
The study recommended a study of a comprehensive solution of OSEAC requires cooperation on schools, parents, NGOs and the enforcement of the right to focus on awareness, support services and stricter enforcement of children’s protection measures. Open communication between parents and children should be supported about online risks and safe behavior and should be carried out programs awareness of community, he added.
Digital literacy and online security should be included in the school curriculum and should be developed by tool sets of age. Education and workshops led by peer-goions should be used to teach parents, especially in rural areas, to monitor the use of the Internet of children. Children should participate in designing safer online spaces and creating community and “digital security masters” to support the first answer.
Other recommendations were the establishment of the Karnataka Oseac working group, which oversees prevention and rehabilitation.
Published – June 13, 2025 20:56
