America says that the situation of underage children being abused on the Internet has increased. America has informed Sri Lanka that this situation is high in Sri Lanka.
America has made this notification based on a survey conducted throughout the island. 150 complaints have been received in 2023 and 55 complaints in the period up to April 31 of this year about threatening and influencing children using nude photos through the Internet and social media networks, and it has been identified as a very high risk.
The National Center on Missing and Exploited Children, an American agency, points out that the use of the Internet to encourage children to commit abuse is a grave matter. The agency has also indicated that the actions have grown 300% from 2021 to 2023.
A situation of threatening using nude photos of children
The Sri Lanka Police’s Children and Women’s Bureau has emphasised the heightened focus on addressing the issue of children being threatened and influenced using nude photos online.
In the first three months of this year, the National Child Protection Authority has received 55 complaints regarding the threatening and coercive use of nude images to exploit children.
The trend of children turning to mobile phones and engaging in internet activities while growing up under parental care has been observed in Sri Lanka. This trend has become a significant societal influence, leading to severe problems.
The National Child Protection Supervisor has noted that this situation is the primary cause behind the escalating incidence of child abuse happening daily.
The attention of the court on the American report
It is a fact that the American Institute has pointed out that some groups have taken steps to create obscene photographs of minor children in Sri Lanka and release them on the Internet.
Police Headquarters Child and Women’s Bureau, which went to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court in this regard, said that investigations have been started based on the report.
The bureau also points out that it has not been identified so far how many children’s photos have been created as obscene photos.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Keminda Perera, who drew attention to this matter, has ordered the Police Children and Women Bureau to conduct a formal investigation into the incident and report the facts to the court.
Sharing sex footage is a crucial strategy for catching children
The National Center on Missing and Exploited Children has highlighted important data-based facts in this discussion.
The agency has indicated that engaging in sexual conversations, asking for or sharing sexual photos of children, distributing obscene images, and providing gifts, drugs, transportation, or food are the most common methods used by perpetrators.
The agency has pointed out that the risk of children being lured into sexual exploitation through certain behaviours exhibited on social media is increasing.
A sensitive matter
The current situation in Sri Lanka calls for heightened awareness and proactive measures to address the sensitive issue of child abuse, particularly on social networks and the Internet.
Parents and adults must be vigilant and protect children from potential online harm. This pivotal moment underscores the crucial need for comprehensive efforts to protect children and prevent abuse in digital spaces.
