Post a comment 
The Children’s Forum Network (CFN) Sierra Leone has strongly condemned the growing trend of online exploitation and cyber abuse involving children, describing the sharing of private photos, videos, and sensitive personal information of minors on social media as a serious violation of children’s rights.
In a press statement released on Monday, the child-led advocacy organisation called on the public to immediately stop forwarding, saving, or circulating abusive content involving children, stressing that the internet should remain a safe space for learning, education, and personal development rather than a platform for abuse.
CFN warned that the exploitation of minors online is a criminal offence punishable under Sierra Leone’s Cyber Security and Crime Act and the Child Rights Act. The organisation emphasised that anyone involved in producing, possessing, or distributing child sexual abuse materials could face prosecution under the country’s laws.
The organisation urged citizens to delete any abusive material involving minors upon receiving it and promptly report suspected offenders to the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs or contact the national child helpline by calling 116.
Highlighting key legal protections, CFN noted that the Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (Section 27) criminalises the possession, production, access to, and distribution of child pornography, while the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021 (Sections 44 and 47) prohibits the online sharing and digital transmission of child sexual abuse materials.
The statement concluded with a call for collective responsibility in protecting children from online exploitation.
Every child deserves to grow up free from online exploitation. We must protect our digital spaces and shield children from abuse,” the statement read.
The press statement was issued by Morison Bockarie, National Acting President of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), under the supervision of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CvUtpUQkB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
