Julia von Weiler discusses the alarming issue of sexual violence against children and adolescents, highlighting how perpetrators manipulate victims through social networks and gaming platforms to build trust and exploit them for sexual exploitation. She emphasizes that both digital and analog means can be used for abuse and stresses the importance of parental awareness and open communication with children about online dangers. The article also calls for stricter laws, better resources for law enforcement, and educational initiatives to protect young people in the digital age.
Warning: Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents
Julia von Weiler: Perpetrators are increasingly using social networks, gaming platforms, or chat rooms to establish contact with children and adolescents, gradually gaining their trust. They manipulate young people emotionally, misleading them into thinking they share a genuine friendship or relationship. This false sense of intimacy is exploited to obtain intimate images and/or to coerce sexual acts.
Is the initiation always digital?
No, even when initial contact is made in person, perpetrators use digital communication to deepen the relationship. Digital media fundamentally alters the dynamics, making it harder for children and teenagers to escape such abusive situations. Therefore, it’s crucial for parents to understand which platforms their children are using, to educate them about risks, and to know where to find information and support to guide their children safely online.
When do these relationships become noticeable to outsiders?
Often, it is only when the child exhibits unusual behavior that warning signs become apparent. Sudden secrecy about their screens or unexpected new devices or gifts that parents cannot explain are indicators. Additionally, signs like depressive withdrawal, aggressive outbursts, or mood swings should raise concern. Parents and trusted adults must remain vigilant and engage in conversations if they suspect something is wrong. It is essential to communicate to children that they can always talk about their online contacts. In case of specific concerns, it is advisable to contact specialized counseling services or the police. Confidential and free support is available through experts at the ‘Help Phone for Abuse’ at hilfe-telefon-missbrauch.online.
In cases of so-called livestream abuse, perpetrators compel children to film themselves engaging in sexual acts live. Often this occurs at home, in their own rooms—places that should be safe.
There is no longer a safe space for children once a perpetrator has made digital contact. Therefore, even the home can cease to be a secure place. Through smartphones, perpetrators can maintain constant contact with the child.
Often, children and teenagers film themselves and upload these videos to social networks, unaware that this may be illegal. This becomes disastrous when such images end up in class chats or are accessed by predators. How can we protect children?
Education is key. Children and adolescents must sadly learn at an early age that sharing intimate images carries significant risks and can be illegal. Adults surrounding children—parents, educators, and both paid and volunteer professionals—should periodically address this topic. Engaging in conversations with children and teens and presenting oneself as a trustworthy figure is vital. We need to learn to discuss all these matters openly to encourage affected children and teens to confide in us.
Does self-filming relate to the easy access of pornography online?
Yes, the accessibility of pornography on the internet can significantly influence children’s and teenagers’ perceptions. Many lose their sense of boundaries and intimacy. Parents and educational institutions must focus on clarifying the difference between private intimacy and public sharing.
The internet has existed for decades, and smartphones have been around for almost 20 years. Surely, there has been enough time to develop strategies to protect children, right?
However, the challenges are complex and constantly evolving. Technological advancements progress rapidly, along with the methods used by offenders. Consider developments like deepfakes and AI-generated abusive representations from everyday images. It is an ongoing process requiring collaboration among society, politics, and tech companies to create effective protective strategies. Unfortunately, many conflicting interests impede progress, keeping child protection from advancing as it should.
What do you demand from politicians that could realistically be implemented during this legislative period?
Clear and strict laws, along with adequate resources for law enforcement, are essential. Educational initiatives are also important to raise awareness among children, parents, educators, and professional staff. While politics is a crucial ally, there needs to be accountability from tech companies, educational institutions, and civil society. In my view, tech companies must be held more clearly accountable by law.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan recently launched a parent network against online bullying to put more pressure on politicians and internet providers. Is this a good idea?
Yes, such networks are invaluable, as affected parents know firsthand what kind of support is necessary. Their voices can have a significant impact. There are already some initiatives in Germany, but a more interconnected and visible network would certainly be beneficial to further advocate for the concerns of those affected.