To mark the European Day for the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Child Focus is launching a petition calling for measures to better protect young people from online sexual exploitation.
Petition launched calling for better protection for young people from online sexual exploitation
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As part of its campaign Child Focus will be using the telephone number of a teenage boy that took his own life after he became a victim of non-consensual sexting.
In June 2017, 15-year-old Glenn took his own life after a nude photograph of him was circulated online. Child Focus explaines that following the publication of the photograph Glenn endured a tirade of hate comments.
Child Focus has now reactivated Glenn’s mobile number. Callers to 0493/79.58.30 will hear Glenn’s story and have the opportunity to sign the petition.
Child Focus hopes to raise awareness of the issue and for measures to be taken to combat it. Furthermore, the organisation wants additional resources to be made available for both prevention and for support for victims.
151 cases dealt with last year
In 2022 Child Focus dealt with 151 cases of non-consensual sexting. These usually involved exchanges of sexually-explicate messages or photographs made under pressure or without consent on social media. The organisation notes that these images are now often accompanied by the victim’s personal details.
“Perpetrators and witnesses of non-consensual online behaviour, often do not sufficiently realise that actions online have serious consequences offline” Child Focus’ Chief Executive Heidi De Pauw said.
Victims and their families can contact Child Focus on the freephone number 116 000.