27May2022

Disrupting Harm in South Africa - Evidence on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Listening to children. Learning from them. Acting to keep them safe online.

Children across South Africa are spending more time online for school, fun, connection, and curiosity. But with that, they are also being exposed to real risks, including sexual exploitation and abuse. This report, part of the global Disrupting Harm initiative, looks closely at the scale and nature of these online harms and what we can do to protect children better.

Based on research with children, caregivers, frontline workers, and national systems, the report paints a clear and urgent picture: children are being hurt online, and many are not speaking up. When they do, they often don’t get the help they need. With Jelly Beanz being at the lead of this research, we’ve made massive headway in understanding this topic.

This report includes:

  • First-hand accounts from children who have experienced online sexual harm
  • Where, how, and why these abuses happen including sextortion, grooming, and non-consensual image sharing
  • Barriers that stop children from reporting or receiving help
  • Concrete recommendations for government and child protection stakeholders, tech companies, educators, caregivers, and communities

It’s a difficult read, but a necessary one. Because if we truly want to protect children in the digital age, we have to listen to their voices, understand the risks, and take action that puts their safety and dignity first.