New Research Report: Parents’ and Caregivers’ Roles in Preventing Online Child Sexual Exploitation

Keeping children safe online begins at home, but families cannot do it alone.

Across the world, children are growing up in a digital environment filled with both opportunity and risk. The internet offers space to learn, play, and connect. It also exposes children to cyberbullying, grooming, sexual extortion, and harmful content. These risks are shaped by broader realities such as poverty, gender norms, discrimination, and silence around sexuality and abuse.

Parents and caregivers want to protect children, but many feel overwhelmed by fast-changing technologies. They often lack the knowledge, tools, and support needed to keep up. The gap is widest for caregivers in low-income or rural settings, for those who are separated from their children, and for those caring for children with disabilities or diverse gender identities.

“I thought by having my daughter staying at home, nothing bad can happen to her, but I did not know she was sexually exploited online while she was at home.” Father of a victim, Cambodia

In response, Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) launched the Safety for Children and their Rights Online (SCROL) programme in 2022. Operating in Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, and the Philippines, SCROL strengthens collaboration between families, communities, governments, and technology actors to prevent and respond to online child sexual exploitation (OCSE).

As part of the programme, TdH NL led a qualitative study with more than 400 children, caregivers, and community members to understand:

• how caregivers perceive and respond to online risks
• what support they need to feel more confident
• what systemic changes are necessary to make digital spaces safer for all children

Although the study focused on four countries, the challenges it reveals—such as the digital divide between generations, gaps in support services, and stigma around discussing online abuse—are common across many settings. The solutions it recommends, including open communication, stronger community networks, and inclusive policies, are relevant to families everywhere.

“Our parents blame us even when we are the victims.”, Girl from Nepal

The findings are clear. Digital safety is not just a matter of technology. It requires inclusive parenting support, engaged communities, stronger laws, and an environment where children’s voices are heard and respected. Children themselves want more open, honest dialogue with adults they can trust.

This study offers practical, rights-based solutions that can be adapted to different contexts. It reminds us that lasting protection must involve everyone.

Explore the report’s key insights and recommendations for action from families and frontline workers to governments and technology providers.

Because every child has the right to grow up safe, both online and offline.