Online Sexual Abuse and other Risks: Impacts on Children BangladeshOnline Sexual Abuse and other Risks: Impacts on Children Bangladesh

Abstract

In Bangladesh 63.51% women face online violence[1]. The children of Mollahat upazila, Baptist Aid project area, are also facing various forms of online sexual abuse including sexual exploitation, body shaming and blackmail. In this context, this study aimed to explore the root causes and impacts of online child sexual abuse in the project area. For the research, the qualitative method was designed with Focused Group Discussion and key informant interviews (KII) between 10-15 May 2024. The study sample comprised 44 Child Club children aged 14-18 years old, who are school going, and selected from different villages of the project area using purposive sampling techniques. Data gathered from the study then subjected for content analysis looking at patterns and meanings.

The study found that 46% girl and 51% boys children use android phones and internet where the most common pattern of abusive events receiving vulgar friendship request from unknown persons (27%), online sexual propositions (44%), receiving pornographic texts or audios (30%), receiving pornographic videos (21%) and getting deceived by investing money online gambling (20%). Risk-wise, children involve themselves in unethical activities, use of photos and videos of children in bad purpose of blackmailing and even children involve themselves in virtual sex activities. Children, especially girls reported that they are facing abuse in various ways, such as: being asked to send naked photos, being invited to be naked in video calls and being invited to have virtual sex in online. The study identified some impacts on children. The victims, in many cases, get traumatized with the effects of sexual activities. Many fled away from home and involved in early marriage, crime and dispute arise to the children and their family members.