The increase in internet usage across Africa is expected to have a positive impact on the economy. Revenues are projected to reach $180 billion by 2025.
However, alongside these benefits, the internet also brings serious dangers. Young people, due to the spread of internet access, are becoming more vulnerable to exploitation.
Social media, in particular, plays a major role in this negative development.
Teenagers: Primary Targets for Online Predators
Abusers often target children aged 12–17 because of their naivety.
According to a study conducted by ChildFund International and the Africa Child Policy Forum (ACPF), 13% of children in Kenya who are online have been abused or exploited.
With over 22 million internet users in the country, this percentage translates into a significant number of cases, revealing the true scale of the issue.
Forms of Online Exploitation Are Worryingly Varied
This abuse takes many frightening forms, including grooming, sexting, sextortion (threatening children with their own explicit images), revenge pornography, commercial sexual exploitation, online child prostitution, and the live streaming of sexual abuse.
These dangers show just how severe and far-reaching online exploitation can become.
Not Just Kenya—The Problem Is Widespread Across Africa
Moreover, this is not a problem limited to Kenya. Similar cases have been reported in other African countries.
In South Africa, 19% of children aged 9–17 received unwanted sexual requests online. In Uganda, 21% of children aged 15–17 experienced the same.
In Kenya and Mozambique, 13% of children aged 12–17 were threatened or blackmailed into performing sexual acts.
Younger Victims, Higher Risks—And Still a Lack of Awareness
Another study found that more than 60% of victims of abuse were very young children, and 65% of them were girls.
Yet many people still do not take online crimes seriously. Due to the lack of sufficient laws, services, and technological oversight, this problem continues to be ignored.
Urgent Need for Education, Legislation, and Oversight
There is an urgent need for change. People must be educated about the risks, and online monitoring and enforcement need to be significantly improved.