ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE GAMBIA ELIMINATION STRATEGIES: THE PERSPECTIVE OF CHILD PROTECTION OFFICERS (CASE STUDY: SEREKUNDA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS)

Abstract The digital technology has positively transformed the life and living conditions of many people around the globe. However, studies have revealed some negative socio-economic, political, cultural; and environmental impacts. This case study was conducted to interrogate online child sexual abuse and exploitation in The Gambia focusing on the motivating factors, techniques, negative impacts, victims and perpetrators support services, preventive strategies and institutional collaboration. As per the findings to effectively address online child sexual abuse and exploitation, it requires: regular public sensitization, consistent law enforcement, rehabilitation of victims and perpetrators, strengthening and tough laws enactment, stringent code of conducts implementation, strict monitoring of the TDA and environment, rapid prosecution of perpetrators, long term jailing and black listing of convicted perpetrators, strong national and international partnership, capacity building of institutions, responsible parenting promotion and practice, access to quality and relevant education for all children, budget allocation increment, child abuse inclusion in schools curriculum, poverty eradication, government blocking pornographic websites, installation of monitoring applications; and limiting internet access.