Stakeholders are calling for stronger measures to protect children online amid rising cases of abuse on the digital platforms.
This was revealed during the launch of a Social media advocacy on online child protection in Nairobi on Thursday 20th 2025, by The Children Rights Advocacy and Legal Aid Foundation (CRALAF), a legal aid organization that provides free legal assistance to children who are abused, or in need of care and protection.
Recent studies show a worrying surge in online child abuse in Kenya, with a 2021 report revealing that between 5 and 13 per cent of internet-using children aged 12-17 experiencing online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Phoebe Kithinji, Founder & Executive Director of CRALAF, noted that as much as the internet provides opportunities for children, it also exposes them to risks.
She highlighted that with the worrying trends, there is need for continuous sensitization by relevant stakeholders to ensure children are protected whether online or offline.
“We saw the need to organize this training targeting digital content creators and the media professionals. The training aims to build the capacity of digital content creators and media professionals to champion child rights, promote positive social norms, and counter harmful online narratives affecting children” she stated.
The stakeholders were in agreement that with a larger population of minors online, there is need to reduce social injustices and eradicate harmful cultural practices by promoting child rights, and awareness creation.
Dennis Ratemo, Regional Programme Officer, East Africa Terre des Hommes Germany highlighted that the population of children using online spaces is high thus need to protect them from harm.
“From the children’s population of 23 million, over 70% of them are using the internet. It is worrying that these children don’t have the right knowledge and skills to use the internet safely. As actors in the civil society, Government, the media we have a mandate to promote online safety for children.” he noted.
There is growing digital addiction among children, majority of children hardly report online abuses because of stigma or fear of punishment from their parents. This in the end may affect their mental health.
Eunice Kilundo, Child protection expert, called for protection of children from online harm and reporting once the abuse has happened.
“Whatever children are engaging in online for education or entertainment, it exposes them to online risks, Learning has moved online, how do we safeguard our children?” She posed.
With continuous advancement of technology like Artificial Intelligence, the stakeholders called for regular review of regulations and policies on child protection.
“We are fighting an enemy that keeps on mutating, therefore there is need for continuous policy and laws reviews. Advancements like the Artificial Intelligence AI never existed at a time the Children Act 2022, law that provides comprehensive provisions for the rights, care, and protection of children, was put in place,” said Phoebe Kithinji.
Mical Imbukwa, a content creator was grateful that the skills she gained from the training will shape greatly the content she produces to ensure that it is not harmful to the children.
“This training is key because it has equipped me with knowledge on how to go about when reporting on child abuses online from the legal aspect. I will also use my platform to empower the online audience on online child protection”, said Mical. She urged fellow content creators and influencers to prioritize safety of children online.
Child protection is a responsibility for all stakeholders including caregivers, parents, content creators, the media and government. The CRALAF Executive Director noted that the training was just the beginning, but moving forward there will be continuous empowerment sessions for other stakeholders to ensure children are protected online.
Phoebe urged the media and other content creators to engage in ethical reporting and report online abuses and exploitation of children.
The launch coincided with World Children’s Day which marked is on 20th of November annually, with the aim at promoting awareness among children worldwide, and to improve children’s welfare.
It is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children, and is observed by 190 countries.
