RIYADH — The National Committee for Childhood announced it plans to implement four initiatives to combat sexual exploitation of children through the Internet. National Committee for Childhood General Secretary Wafaa Al-Salih said the initiatives include digital schools, summer programs, family involvement initiative and a competition for the most creative and innovative strategy to protect children from electronic crimes. "The committee conducted a study showing the lack of early awareness in schools and with families about the dangers of electronic crimes. The study also showed there aren't any preventative policies to protect children from being preys to electronic criminals," said Al-Salih. She added there isn't a clear procedure on how to report electronic crimes, how to file complaints in regards to the issue and how to solve the issue as well. "I will be presenting the four initiatives at the National Forum for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation of Children Through the Internet in Riyadh. The Ministry of Education should be involved in protecting children," said Al-Salih. She added the ministry can combat such crimes by working with the schools, families and the society. "The ministry must be involved in prevention, early detection, reporting and solving such crimes. I recommend that the ministry puts together training programs for parents and school principals on how to protect children from sexual exploitation online," said Al-Salih. She added research centers and universities studies need to be incentivized to conduct studies on child pornography and sexual exploitation of children online. "There must also be a unified procedure to report instances of child sexual exploitation online. There must also be efforts to raise awareness of the issue among families, schools and the society. Children must also be aware of the potential dangers they face when they use the Internet," said Al-Salih. She added victims of sexual exploitation online must go through a rehabilitation program. "There is a need for specialized trainers in online sexual exploitation of children. The Ministry of Education must cooperate with the suitable authorities to design training programs in the field and produce qualified experts to deal with victims of sexual exploitation online," said Al-Salih.
