What it is
Online child exploitation covers grooming, blackmail and the sharing of harmful images involving children. Offenders often pose as a peer or a friendly adult on games, social media or messaging apps, build trust over time, then pressure a child into sharing images, meeting, or keeping secrets. Awareness among parents, carers and teachers is one of the strongest protections.
Warning signs in a child
Becoming secretive about what they do online, or switching screens quickly when approached.
New online "friends" or gifts, airtime or money from people you do not know.
Sudden distress, withdrawal or changes in mood, especially after being online.
Using apps or accounts they hide, or spending unusual amounts of time with one contact.
How to protect children
Keep conversations open and reassure children they will not be in trouble for telling you about something that worried them. Set up age-appropriate privacy and parental controls together, agree which apps and contacts are okay, and keep devices in shared spaces where practical. Teach them never to share images or personal details, or meet an online contact, without a trusted adult. See helping children and family stay safe.
How to report and get help
If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police without delay.
Report concerns and get free, confidential support from Childline Kenya on 116, and report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Report the content or account to the platform it appeared on, and preserve evidence such as usernames and messages without sharing harmful images further.
Reassure and support the child; they are not to blame. Our reporting guidance can help you prepare details.
Useful references
Here to help
Something doesn’t look right?
Prepare an incident report with the details that matter.