15/07/2026
Protecting Children Online Starts With Us
The internet opens doors to learning, creativity and connection. But it can also expose children to serious risks, including online grooming, sexual exploitation and the creation or sharing of Child S*xual Abuse Material (CSAM).
In Sri Lanka, child abuse remains a significant concern. According to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), thousands of child protection complaints are reported every year, including cases of sexual abuse and online exploitation. Behind every statistic is a child whose safety and wellbeing have been compromised.
Online abuse often doesn’t begin with threats. It begins with trust.
A stranger, friend or relative may start a friendly conversation, offer gifts or compliments, encourage secrecy, and gradually manipulate the child into sharing personal information, images or meeting offline. This process is known as online grooming.
Many children never report what happened because they fear punishment, feel ashamed, or worry that no one will believe them.
How can we help keep children safe online?
✔ Talk openly about the internet and create a safe space where children feel comfortable asking for help.
✔ Teach children never to share personal information, passwords, photos or their location with people.
✔ Remind them that they should never keep secrets from trusted adults.
✔ Review privacy settings together and encourage the use of strong passwords and two-factor authentication where possible.
✔ Explain that people online are not always who they claim to be.
✔ Encourage children to block and report anyone who pressures, threatens or manipulates them.
✔ If you suspect abuse or exploitation, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Protecting children online is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, having honest conversations and taking small preventive steps, we can help create a safer digital environment for every child.
