More than 60 per cent of Kenyan parents and caregivers have low levels understanding of the risks children are exposed to online. The figures could be higher if the data is extrapolated to cover the entire African continent, according to child rights organisation Terre des Hommes Netherlands.

Consequently, Terre des Hommes Netherlands has launched “Also Online” campaign in Kenya to teach parents and caregivers of how to protect their children better online.

The campaign was launched against the backdrop of a 2023 SCROL baseline study in Kenya which shows that 60 per cent of parents and caregivers have low levels of knowledge and attitudes related to online child sexual exploitation.

Additionally, around 38.8 per cent of children reported that their parents do not understand the internet and social media applications’ functionalities.

A statement to newsrooms indicates that this knowledge gap impedes parents and caregivers from providing effective assistance in shielding their children from online sexual exploitation and related risks.

Recent research conducted with children and parents and caregivers by Terre des Hommes Netherlands revealed that socio-economic challenges, low digital literacy, and authoritative parenting impairs caregivers’ ability to protect their children from risks of online sexual exploitation.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands Kenya Country Director Magdalene Wanza explained that at the heart of their campaign are conversations where parents and caregivers feel equipped to guide their children in identifying and responding to risks online.

 “Through simple conversation starters such as ‘How was your day? Also Online’, ‘Do not talk to strangers. ‘Also Online’ we aim to bridge the gap between the digital and real-world empowering parents and caregivers to protect and guide their children in both spaces,” said Wanza.

Online child sexual exploitation is a growing global crisis. According to Childlight (2024), over 300 million children have been victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse in the past year alone. In Kenya, over 46,000 reports of online child sexual abuse and exploitation were recorded in 2023 according to the 2023 Cybertipline (NCMEC).

This concern was affirmed in the 2025 research “Understanding parents’ and caregivers’ role in preventing and responding to the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children” report that revealed a significant gap in knowledge and communication between children and young people and their parents and caregivers.

The research showed that victims would rather report to their fellow peers or counsellors than their parents. This gap makes it difficult for parents and caregivers to protect or intervene in cases of OCSE. Many parents and caregivers remain unaware of what happens online, including if their children are sexually abused.

Online grooming, sextortion, livestreaming and child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) are examples of the exploitation children encounter in the digital environment today.

Findings from the Disrupting Harm report (2021) paint a troubling picture.  Seven per cent of children aged 12-17 had been offered money or gifts in return for sexual images or videos of themselves, while three per cent had been threatened or blackmailed online to engage in sexual activities. Seven per cent of children have had their sexual images shared with others without their permission.

For children, the shame and stigma of speaking up can be overwhelming, especially if they fear punishment or judgment from their parents. Despite the challenges, the report reveals that some caregivers in Kenya are finding ways to empower their children to be safe online and it highlights the stories of these champions and powerful role models.

To address the growing threat of online child sexual exploitation, Terre des Hommes Netherlands launched the ‘Also Online’ campaign to keep children out of harm’s way.

The campaign aims to create targeted awareness among parents and caregivers in Africa about the online world their children are living in. Through the Terre des Hommes Netherlands website, parents and caregivers can access practical tips and tools designed to help them engage in open, supportive and safe conversations with their children.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Joseph Ng’ang’a