Factors Influencing Children’s Vulnerability to Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) in Urban Poor Settings: a Case of Kibera Slums, Nairobi County

Abstract

Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) is a universal problem with evident long-term effects. Its scope and practice have tremendously expanded and metamorphosed leading to its rapid spread. The metamorphosis stems from its practice through online platforms, different from the normal physical practice, hence dubbed Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA). As a result, OCSEA has become widespread, including among urban poor settlements. This research sought to understand factors that influence children’s involvement in OCSEA in urban poor settings, with a focus on Kibera slums in Nairobi County. This study adopted a cross-sectional study design, in which mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) approaches were utilized. The study also builds its contexts from secondary resources, including literature to illuminate the current and past contexts and occurrences of OCSEA, including all aspects pertaining to OCSEA’s metamorphosis. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect quantitative data from parents who were beneficiaries of the Watch 24/7 Project to understand the extent of OCSEA’s occurrence in urban poor settlements. Additionally, a key informant interview guide was used to collect qualitative data from five key informants deemed knowledgeable in the study area, having been involved directly in related projects. The study found that the number of digital technologies accessed by children in the recent past had significantly increased, much of which was not monitored. The qualitative and quantitative data partially concurred that the increased proliferation of digital technologies, and the ease of access of such technologies among children and youth have contributed to increased incidence of OCSEA’s occurrence. The respondents agreed that engaging their children in online safety discussions played a key role in reducing their children’s proneness to OCSEA. In addition, 37% of the respondents affirmed that awareness levels influenced the occurrence of OCSEA compared to the 29.6% who did not. This was supported by the responses provided by key informants who opined that involvement in OCSEA is a function of ignorance and lack of awareness of active and potential victims of OCSEA. The study also found that monthly educative sessions on OCSEA were undertaken in the study site (Kibera) to enhance the awareness of parents, guardians and other caregivers on OCSEA. The study further confirmed the existence of OCSEA within Kibera and affirmed that it is a form of child sexual abuse. They also agreed that they acquired knowledge on OCSEA from the Watch 24/7 Project which enabled them to confidently discuss online safety with their children to prevent the occurrence of OCSEA. They were able to stand with their children who dealt with psycho-social challenges brought on by OCSEA. They, however, demonstrated reluctance to report the occurrence of OCSEA cases yet they were conscious of the fact that engagement in OCSEA is a misconduct punishable by law. The study concludes there exists a significant association between children’s vulnerability and engagement in OCSEA activities. Further, the level of awareness on matters OCSEA by parents/caregivers is crucial as this defines their level and capacity to guide minors/children in the right behavioral. The study recommends a collective method for responding to and curbing the rise of OCSEA.