Online dangers, real consequences: Terre des Hommes’ campaign to keep children safe

The digital world offers children incredible opportunities for learning and connection, but it also exposes them to serious risks. Across the globe, children face online sexual exploitation in various forms, including grooming, sexual extortion, livestreamed abuse, and the spread of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
A 2024 global study by Childlight found that more than 300 million children have experienced some form of online sexual exploitation or abuse in just the past year.
One of the most disturbing trends is the coercion of children into producing sexual content. Research from the Disrupting Harm project (2021) shows that 7% of children aged 12–17 have been offered money or gifts in exchange for sexually explicit images or videos, while 3% have faced threats or blackmail to engage in sexual acts online. Equally concerning is that 7% of children have had their private sexual images shared without consent—a violation that leaves deep emotional scars.
“At my home, my children talk of TikTok, Snapchat and other social media chatting sites. I have no information about what they do or see in those chats. I am unable to control or restrict them as I don’t know if those sites are bad,” Father, Nairobi, Kenya.
Terre des Hommes Netherlands conducted a multi-country study on Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE) across Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, and the Philippines to understand parents’ roles in prevention and response.
The research revealed that most parents and caregivers remain unaware of the threats their children face in digital spaces and struggle to keep up with the digital landscape. This highlights a troubling gap in awareness and communication between adults and young people when it comes to online safety which has serious consequences.
Many children who experience online exploitation hesitate to confide in their parents, fearing blame, punishment, or disbelief. Instead, they turn to friends or school counselors—if they speak up at all. Without trust and open dialogue, abusive situations often go unreported, allowing perpetrators to continue harming children unchecked.
To address this urgent issue, Terre des Hommes Netherlands has launched the “Also Online” campaign, a global initiative designed to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to protect children in digital spaces.
Through practical guides and resources available on the website of Terre des Hommes Netherlands, families can learn how to discuss topics like privacy, consent, and safe online behavior in an age-appropriate way.
The internet is an integral part of children’s lives, and protecting them requires a proactive, informed approach. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to strengthen safeguards and ensure children can explore the digital world without fear.
Terre des Hommes International Federation is committed to ending online child exploitation and building a safer internet for every child by raising awareness, improving digital literacy, and fostering trust within families.
Visit the campaign website to access free resources and join the movement to protect children—online and offline.