PUBLISHED : 16 Sep 2024 at 19:08
The escalating issue of sexual harassment on social media poses a significant threat to children and youth, as highlighted by Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
In its recent social outlook report, the NESDC revealed that victims of online harassment face heightened risks of developing severe social, emotional, and mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.
Tragically, some victims may resort to criminal activities due to the trauma endured. ECPAT International, affiliated with UNICEF, ranked Thailand among the 25 countries experiencing alarming rates of online sexual harassment targeting minors. This troubling trend is reinforced by Royal Thai Police data, showing a dramatic rise in child sexual abuse cases, skyrocketing from 48 incidents in 2017 to 540 in the previous year.
The NESDC categorizes online sexual harassment against minors into three distinct levels. The first, low-level harassment, often involves perpetrators trivializing their actions, manifesting as non-specific comments targeting school-aged children.
Moderate-level harassment focuses on persistent actions designed to inflict emotional pain, including repeated harassment aimed at humiliating victims and intruding upon their personal privacy.
Widespread Harassment
The severe/high level is characterized by violent and aggressive tactics that inflict profound emotional and psychological harm. This category includes egregious violations of sexual abuse laws, such as luring minors into inappropriate relationships and coercing them into sexual acts, including the non-consensual recording of these incidents.
A 2022 UNICEF report revealed that many young people lack awareness of available resources for assistance when faced with online sexual abuse. Some do not identify themselves as victims, while others hesitate to report their experiences due to embarrassment, leading to significant underreporting of these crimes, as indicated by the NESDC.
To combat this pervasive issue, the NESDC calls for urgent intervention measures. These should include fostering a proactive environment regarding sexual harassment, beginning with parents closely monitoring their children’s social media interactions. Additionally, it is imperative for the government and community stakeholders to establish clear repercussions for offenders.
The NESDC also emphasized the critical need for educational institutions and community programs to raise awareness about rights and risks associated with online sexual harassment. Families should guide children on safeguarding personal information, while educational curricula must incorporate lessons on recognizing and preventing sexual grooming.
