Information and Communication Technology (ICT): An Exploration of Online Child Abuse During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Covid-19 has prompted widespread school closures and physical distancing measures and made online platforms and communities
essential to maintaining a sense of normalcy.1 Children are turning to digital solutions more than ever for learning purposes, socialization and play.2 While online platforms provide huge opportunities for children to learn different things and to entertain themselves, these same platforms increase children’s exposure to online abuse.3 Digital media contain a high potential for addiction. Covid-19 has prompted widespread school closures and physical distancing measures and made online platforms and communities
essential to maintaining a sense of normalcy.1 Children are turning to digital solutions more than ever for learning purposes, socialisation and play.2 While online platforms provide huge opportunities for children to learn different things and to entertain themselves, these same platforms increase children’s exposure to online abuse.3 Digital media contain a high potential for addiction. Children and youth are more at risk compared to adults because it is more difficult for them to differentiate between the real and virtual worlds. When a smartphone vibrates [rings] one has to react as quickly as possible, no matter where one is.4 For many it is difficult to endure not looking at their cell phone for the length of 10 minutes. One reason for such addiction is the desire of children and youth for recognition. Such recognition is noticeable through the number of “ followers” and “likes” one gets which translates into the measure of one’s popularity. To win the competition, they spend a lot of time in the search for something new.5 Often unusual, such as sharing naked images which fall in the hands of some hackers/ offenders who then misuse them and exploit the young people. and youth are more at risk compared to adults because it is more difficult for them to differentiate between the real and virtual worlds. When a smartphone vibrates [rings] one has to react as quickly as possible, no matter where one is.4 For
many it is difficult to endure not looking at their cell phone for length of 10 minutes. One reason for such addiction is the desire of children and youth for recognition. Such recognition is noticeable through the number of “ followers” and “likes” one gets which translates into the measure of one’s popularity. To win the competition, they spend a lot of time in search for something new.5
Often unusual, such as sharing naked images which fall into the hands of some hackers/ offenders who then misuse them
and exploit the young people.