ChildFund has launched the Training Manual for Social Service Workforce on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) 2023. This manual is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable information and tools to help identify, prevent and respond to OCSEA. It covers a wide range of topics, including types of online abuse, the grooming process, the signs and indicators of abuse as well as the legal and ethical considerations of reporting abuse. Additionally, it captures measures to minimize and manage stress, fatigue and burnout of the social service workforce.

The launch was presided over by Lady Justice Teresia Matheka Chairlady of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) who was the chief guest at the Day of the African Child national celebrations in Busia Town. She applauded ChildFund, Childline Kenya, Lifeskills Promoters, and the Department of Children Services for working collaboratively to develop the manual aimed at enhancing the capacity of the social service workforce as stipulated in the National Plan of Action to Tackle Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 2022-2026. “The Judiciary through the NCJA is committed to the full implementation of this manual and will continue providing the necessary support and guidance throughout the process.”

In Kenya, the internet is widely available, with 3 in 10 households having access at home. With the increasing use of technology in our daily lives, the risk of OCSEA has also increased, making it even more important for us to educate ourselves and others. OCSEA is both a global and national emerging issue that requires a multi-sectoral approach. The findings of the Assessment of National Response to Child Online Sexual Exploitation in Kenya (2019) and the Disrupting Harm Report (2021) indicate a lack of awareness of OCSEA among the social service workforce. These findings have informed the development of this manual for frontline workers and how to address it.

The manual will ensure OCSEA prevention and response is included in pre-service and in-service training for the social service workforce. In particular, the manual will enhance the capacity of the social service workforce to prevent and identify OCSEA as well as respond to and deliver quality, efficient, and comprehensive support services, and referrals for victims of OCSEA.

ChildFund Country Director Alice Anukur said “The training manual for social service workshop- emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), County governments and other non-state actors. By taking proactive steps to safeguard children from harm, we are not only fulfilling our mandate but also making a significant contribution to the protection and well-being of children in the digital age.”

The importance of the digital environment to children’s lives and rights has been emphasized by the United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of the Child, which stresses that, spending time online inevitably brings unacceptable risks and threats of harm, some of which children also encounter in other settings and some of which are unique to the online context. Unprecedented access to the cyber space exposes children to online child sexual exploitation and abuse.