ChildFund Australia, Plan International Australia and the Young & Resilient Research Centre of Western Sydney University have released a ground-breaking new report today that shows how the rollout of cable internet systems across the Pacific opens up unprecedented learning opportunities for children but also exposes them to new risks of harm.
The organisations have joined forces to launch the Online Safety in the Pacific report, in order to fill the research gap and map the challenges and opportunities the onset of new cable internet technology presents for children in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea.
Among the children surveyed for the report, 77% said the risk of accessing inappropriate content such as horror movies and pornography, was their greatest fear, followed by cyber-bullying (38%), while parents and carers identified a lack of control over what children were accessing as their greatest fear.
Participants in the study generally believe girls are more at risk than boys to online abuse and less capable of managing risk, leading to girls’ access to online spaces being limited by their parents.
“The Pacific is home to some of the highest rates of sexual and physical violence against women and girls anywhere in the world and this is now being reflected in the online space. These fears are also limiting girls’ access to online opportunities, said Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International Australia.
“As Australia invests in the Coral Sea Cable to promote greater internet connectivity it must also invest in combatting the growing risk of online child sexual exploitation, grooming and cyber-bullying in the Pacific. Now is the time to act, to invest in the protective frameworks and programs that will prevent children and young people from being harmed online.
“The levels of violence and abuse against children, and in particular women and girls, is already disproportionately high in the Pacific Islands. Without proper investment and planning, it could be exacerbated by increased uptake of digital technologies,” she said.
This research will inform ChildFund Australia and Plan International Australia’s child protection work across the region into the future. It will build on existing programs that increase the self-protective behaviours of children, equip parents to be partners in online safety and provides governments with tools required to prevent and respond to online abuse and exploitation.
“The opportunities that connectivity provides is paramount for children and young people across the pacific. However, we must be vigilant in taking adequate measures to keep them safe. A single response will not combat the far-reaching risks and impacts of the online world. A whole of community approach, which empowers children and their families to safety navigate the online world is crucial” said Margaret Sheehan, CEO of ChildFund International.
ChildFund Australia and Plan International Australia consider this work as urgent given the convergence of the onset of the COVID19 and the arrival of cable internet across the Pacific.
ChildFund Papua New Guinea and the CIMC-Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) is calling for a zero tolerance approach to family violence, following the recent attack against athlete Debbie Kaore.
Debbie has shown immense courage and resolve in reporting the violence she experienced from her partner. As a young leader and role model, her commitment to sharing her story publicly is a powerful way to draw attention to what is an endemic issue in PNG. Debbie is an International rugby player and boxer, who also teaches other women how to box, released a video of a violent attack to highlight domestic violence in PNG.
She stated: “I know there are a lot of Papua New Guinean women out there that are going through the same thing, they need to be strong; they need to get out — do what is right for you, your life matters.”
We would like to offer her our sincere support during this very challenging period of her life.
It is encouraging to see the recent statements issued by Prime Minister James Marape the Governor of National Capital District Powes Parkop, PNG Olympic Committee and the Armed Forces condemning violence and calling for behaviour change within PNG.
Strong leadership is vital if we are to see action taken against perpetrators, and a culture of zero tolerance to violence prevail. This must be accompanied by continued government commitment to the resourcing of services which both prevent and respond to violence against women and children.
A multi-sectoral approach is also essential. It is clear that if we are to end GBV in the country, behaviour change is needed at all levels of society, in rural communities, among young people, within the business sector, and at all levels of government.
ChildFund and FSVAC are committed to driving change, and will continue to implement programs and services which address the causes of violence; build the capacity of our legal system, and strengthen the services available to survivors.
CIMC-FSVAC as a peak body focused on enhancing responsive referral pathway through its survivor-centered advocacy, has commended service providers for swift response and assistance to Debbie’s call for help. FSVAC has emphasized on maintaining a survivor-centred approach based on the human rights framework of protecting the dignity and privacy of survivors who suffer as result of gender-based or family and sexual violence.
Debbie is not alone in her experience; it is a terrible tragedy that so many women in PNG continue to experience violence in their homes. Debbie has used her profile before to speak out against gender inequality in PNG and also run boxing classes for women, including many from disadvantaged backgrounds, through a group she founded with her sister called Kamapim Boxing Meri (Creating Female Boxers).
We all have a part to play in building a safer community for the women and children of Papua New Guinea, and in upholding their right to live safe from harm.
Marcia Kalinoe
National Coordinator – CIMC-FSVAC
Bridgette Thorold
Country Director, ChildFund PNG
For anyone experiencing or witnessing family violence, the 1 Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain offers immediate tele-counselling and referral services across the country. Call freephone 7150-8000.
