UNICEF Cambodia launches a digital campaign to protect children and adolescents against online sexual exploitation

PHNOM PENH, 21 March 2024 – UNICEF Cambodia is launching an innovative digital campaign to prevent and protect Cambodian adolescents from online sexual predators.

According to a 2022 report, Disrupting Harm in Cambodia, by the Cambodia National Council for Children and partners including UNICEF Cambodia, 11 per cent of internet-using children aged 12 to 17 in Cambodia had experienced online sexual exploitation and abuse in the past year. That means an estimated 160,000 children were blackmailed into sexual activities, had sexual images shared without their consent, or faced other online abuses.

The report exposed other disturbing realities. Sixteen percent of children received sexual comments that made them uncomfortable, and almost a third of those said it happened on social media. The same percentage were sent sexual images they didn't want, with social media being the source more than a third of the time. Nine per cent felt pressured to share sexual pictures of themselves. Boys were targeted more than girls with abusive requests, threats, and blackmail online. These statistics paint an alarming picture of the dangers children in Cambodia face in the digital world.

"To create effective change, we must approach this topic in accessible, informative, and compassionate ways," said Dr Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative. "By leveraging storytelling and technology on social media platforms where youth are already active, we can empower and protect them from harm."

The campaign revolves around a series of four short videos featuring two teenagers tackling online sexual extortion with the help of their alter-egos representing the mind and heart. These engaging videos demonstrate practical tips for both preventing and handling sextortion situations, covering themes like accepting friend requests with caution, setting boundaries, being in charge of one's online presence, and seeking help when needed.

Corresponding posts will share this key information along with action steps and resources like the toll-free child helpline (National Police 1288, Child Helpline Cambodia 1280) and charged call (APLE’s Hotline 092 311 511). Through the campaign, UNICEF expects to reach more than two million adolescents and parents over the next three months with an empowering message: You can protect yourself and get help.

"Dedicated digital content and collaborative advocacy campaigns can help build a safer Cambodia for children and adolescents, reducing their risk of exploitation," Dr Parks added.

These efforts are part of UNICEF's commitment to building a safer digital world for every child in Cambodia. In 2023, UNICEF Cambodia launched the 'Let’s Chat About Online Grooming' campaign, reaching over two million people across social media platforms. The campaign aimed to reduce the incidence of online sexual exploitation and abuse among internet-using children by addressing predatory grooming practices in an innovative and interactive manner. These kinds of digital content aim to spur a shift in social media culture by equipping youth with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate online risks.