The parents work and the school is closed. For some children, the summer holidays mean that more time is spent online – which can increase the risk of them being exposed to internet-related sexual abuse.
– In connection with summer holidays, it is definitely time for an adult to talk to children about this to reduce the risk, says Hanna Thermaenius, psychologist at Save the Children.
For many children, the summer holidays are full of activities and family activities. For others, it will be a period of more alone time – and perhaps more screen time. It can increase the risk of being exposed to online sexual crimes.
– We have seen that time at the screen in combination with not having an adult to talk to are two risk factors. It’s a problem all year round, unfortunately, but it becomes even more of a problem when you can not go to school sister or ball with a classmate, says Hanna Thermaenius.
Another dimension comes from the fact that society as a whole has become more digital during the pandemic.
– We are still behind the fact that children have started with leisure activities and spontaneous outdoor games. Many have built up their social contacts in the gaming world, for example. It can be positive, but it also increases the risk of this type of abuse, says Hanna Thermaenius.
No crime search
Sophie Josephson, an adviser at the children’s rights organization Ecpat, also shares the picture.
– When the children are at school, they often do not have access to the internet in the same way. At home, children often spend more time online, and of course more time means an opportunity for the risk to increase, she says.
The police do not see an increase in reported sex crimes against children during the summer – but it can be difficult to understand what it is that makes crime statistics go in waves, says Björn Sellström, commissioner at the National Operations Department within the police. For example, if more resources are put into a certain type of crime, the statistics may increase as more crimes are discovered.
– We also know that if you have campaigns, such as we had last year where we tried to teach children to minimize risk online, it can increase the reporting frequency because you simply get a knowledge that you are exposed to crime , he says.
However, he also believes that the risk may be greater in the summer.
– Absolutely. The more opportunities victims and perpetrators have to approach each other, the greater the risk that something will happen, says Björn Sellström.
Important to talk about
Before the summer holidays, it can be extra important as a parent or other adult to talk to children about the risks that exist, all three believe. The younger the child, the better, but it’s never too late.
– Also talk about good and fun things that happen online, so that you are a part of the children’s lives in the same way as when they are offline. Be interested, ask them to explain what they do and talk about what is okay and what is not okay, says Sophie Josephson.
Prohibitions and admonitions seldom work, rather it increases the risk that the child does not dare to tell if they are exposed to something. Instead, you should have an open conversation about consent, boundaries and what is allowed and what is not. Not least because it can sometimes be other children, and not adults, who, for example, spread nude photos.
– It is a conversation that adults always need to have with their children, regardless of whether it is summer vacation or not. But it is clear that if the child spends more time online, it will be extra important, says Sophie Josephson.
Facts
This is how you can talk to your child about online abuse
Be curious about what the child is doing online. Ask questions and show interest.
Explain that not everyone you meet online is kind. Say it’s okay to say no and remind yourself that it’s always okay to tell an adult if something happens.
In general, talk about what is okay and what is not, instead of warning strangers. Sometimes you can be exposed by someone you already know.
Teach your child to be careful about giving out their full name, phone number and address.
Start talking early, even with younger children. Adapt the conversation according to age, just like when you talk about, for example, traffic safety.
A good way to start talking about it can be to cover something you have seen in the media and ask questions such as: “Have you been through it? Have your friends told you something similar? Do you know that? ” Keep calm when talking about the subject.
Sources: Ecpat, Save the Children
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