It is reported that this step has been taken with the aim of minimising various abuses against children as much as possible. A special media briefing to raise awareness on this matter was held at the Department of Government Information.
Addressing the event, National Child Protection Authority Director, Attorney-at-Law and Sociologist Shanika Malalgoda stated that the Authority receives more than 10,000 complaints regarding child abuse annually.
Key Points
- Over 10,000 child abuse complaints received annually
- Dangers to children through digital media rising rapidly
- Number of sensitive incidents has increased from 53 to 180 by November
Online threats faced by children
It was pointed out that children face danger due to vulnerability in cyberspace, teenage pregnancies, and substance abuse. Since children ultimately suffer from unintentional missteps, this initiative aims to reinforce civic responsibility.
Speaking at the event, Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola noted that complaints regarding online child abuse have escalated rapidly. He also revealed that the use of child-related content has increased with the emergence of social media monetization methods.
"By 2025, 53 highly sensitive incidents involving children were reported on digital online media. That figure has risen to 180 by November this year."Charuka Damunupola
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