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<\/p>\nOn 19 May 2019, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) conducted a consultation meeting on inclusion of preventing online child exploitation at CIRDAP Auditorium. Representatives of civil society organisations, government officials, educational institutions, Associate Professor, A2I program, Professor, Counselling and Education Psychology Department, Dhaka University, Development Partner, Terre des Hommes (TDH) Netherlands and also print media participated in the program. Professor Manzoor Ahmed, Emeritus, BRAC University, was the Chief Guest of this programme. Lutfun Nahar, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Education, Anita Rani Saha, Coordinator, Multi sectoral program, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Professor Mahjabin Haque, Dhaka University, Md. Kabir Hossain, Associate professor, A2I program, Mahmudul Kabir, Country Director, TdH Netherlands Bangladesh office also took part in this program. The event was moderated and facilitated by Sheepa Hafiza, Executive Director, ASK.<\/p>\n
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Keeping the overall situation of online sexual exploitation of children in Bangladesh in mind, this event was organised in order to discuss the contents of the textbook on Online Child Sexual Exploitation with the participants and suggest recommendations for the inclusion of such in the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB).<\/p>\n
Sheepa Hafiza, Executive Director<\/strong>, ASK<\/strong> welcomed the panellists and gave a brief introduction of the programme. After analysing data from the four districts, Dhaka, Rajshahi, Shatkira, and Cox\u2019s Bazar, ASK found that the number of children being exploted and being affected by sexual harassment is increasing immensely. Moreover, as the internet and social media are relatively new to adults, it is tough for the parents and caretakers to fully understand how the internet works and the dangers that may arise if one is not careful.<\/p>\n According to Cyber Tribunal, in the recent years, cases are increasing aggressively.<\/p>\n Nurunnabi Shanto, Child Rights Unit\u2019s team leader,<\/strong> shared that no matter which site is visited, random inappropriate advertisements are always popping up. Now perpetrators have easy access to potential victims through social media accounts. Children are being abused both online and real life. Due to its taboo sense, children and girls often opt to not share their situation with their parents. Thus, educating both adults and children is very important.<\/p>\n Roksana Khondokar, Coordinator, Breaking the Silence<\/strong> concluded that while cyber safety is included in the curriculum, teachers are not addressing the topic it in the classroom.<\/p>\n Md. Shahidul Islam, Rayer Bazar High School<\/strong> shared that awareness plays an important role in ensuring the safety of internet users. With today\u2019s youth being technologically more advanced than adults, our culture and society has to adapt to this new environment and make sure that children can comfortably speak about these issues. Children should be taught early on on how to positively use the internet and the dangers associate;, then they will be more cautious.<\/p>\n Janifar Alam, Chairman, Crime Research Analysis Foundation<\/strong> said that mass awareness is lacking, resulting in children not knowing who to talk to, or where to go.<\/p>\n Mahfuz Kabir, Lawyer<\/strong> also added that \u201cAdult websites install malware on the victims\u2019 devices gaining access to webcams and microphones. The only preventive measures in such case is to cover up the camera and to turn on the parental controls.\u201d In response, Firdousi Mawli, Bangladesh Pratibandhi Foundation<\/strong> shared that she works with children with hearing disabilities and knows that covering webcams is a challenge for the children who use sign language to communicate with each other online, and thus, not a possible preventive step. Obstacles like these make children with disabilities more vulnerable and easy targets for exploitation.<\/p>\n Ms. Skiba, CAMPE<\/strong> also added that as training teachers is essential in conducting a session effectively, so that they actively implement the textbook curriculum they are provided with.<\/p>\n Arju Akter, Lecturer, Kakoli High School & College in Dhanmondi<\/strong> said that, due to the taboo that exists in our society surrounding the matter of sex, teachers and students are both reluctant to talk about such in the classroom. Therefore, it is essential to include a revised curriculum for children of all levels, especially marginalised children.<\/p>\n Gazi Salahuddin, Deputy Director, NHRC <\/strong>proposed to the government to activate the probation officer\u2019s duty for the child protection activities and for action against child rights violation. At the same time he emphasised on incorporating online child sexual exploitation and online child safety in the national curriculum.<\/p>\n Md. Kabir Hossain, Associate Professor,<\/strong> A2I program<\/strong>, promoted e-learning website Connect<\/em> created by A2I,<\/em> that promotes positive growth among the youth, guiding them towards safer sites and environments.\u201d<\/p>\n Mahmudul Kabir, Country Director, TdH Netherlands Bangladesh Office<\/strong> shared that the 3 main challenges are \u201cFirstly, technology cannot be shut down or turned off completely; secondly, educational institutions themselves are not safe\u2019 Lastly, educators themselves are hesitant in using certain words in class.\u201d<\/p>\n Mahjabin Haque PhD, Professor, Counseling and Education Psychology at Dhaka University <\/strong>has noticed that students are thankful for being educated on the dangers of the internet, and are now aware of the consequences of not being careful and how to keep themselves safe. She agreed that it is high time to include the content on the specific issue into the curriculum. Mental trauma caused by sexual exploitation or abuse effect children as they grow up and can negatively impact their daily life. A comfortable safe environment where children and adults can discuss cyber safety without feeling judged or ashamed is highly needed. Most importantly, parents need to be able to openly speak and educate children on the dangers of online sexual abuse.<\/p>\n Anita Rani Saha, Coordinator, Multi-sectoral program, MoWCA<\/strong> mentioned that family is the best institution to develop the children\u2019s mental and physical growth throughout primary education to protect them from being exploited. It is urgent to take a part in joint collaboration with civil society organisations as well as relevant ministry for betterment of the children. In addition to that, manual on safe internet should create mass awareness for people of all levels. She said sensitising the parents about online sexual harassment is important as well.<\/p>\n Lutfun Nahar, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Education said,<\/strong> shared the ways in which effective steps needs to be taken in order to ensure absolute understanding of the context. \u201cSometimes showing a video documentary works better in delivering the message than a book lesson. In conclusion, we need more fine-tuning.\u201d She also proposed for including lessons on online sexual harassment issues in Madrasah curriculum as well.<\/p>\n Professor Manzoor Ahmed, Chief Guest, Emeritus, BRAC University<\/strong> shared that there are three ways in which the content of the curriculum may be implemented. Firstly, through experimenting and piloting; secondly, through providing socially integrated solutions; thirdly, through providing help lines. Lastly, a discussion is needed to find out exactly how many people, and what kinds of people use technology, and how many fall victims to online abuse. It is everyone\u2019s duty to ensure safety for children.<\/p>\n Sheepa Hafiza<\/strong> concluded the programme by thanking all of the participating individuals and their organisations for sharing their valuable experiences and opinions. She hopes that NCTB will not ignore such an important issue to include in the education curriculum.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On 19 May 2019, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) conducted a consultation meeting on inclusion of preventing online child exploitation at CIRDAP Auditorium. 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