Child health and psychology experts have highlighted that sharing or forwarding child pornography or obscene content involving children on social media is a violation of their rights and can have detrimental effects on their mental well-being. The experts emphasized that victims of such acts, whose videos are circulated online, may suffer from various issues such as sleeping problems, nightmares, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and academic decline.
They also pointed out that apart from the mental and psychological consequences, the children involved could be at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV or gonorrhea, depending on the circumstances. These statements were made in response to the commitment of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to penalize individuals who share or forward child pornography and obscene content involving children on social media platforms.
The experts further explained that the circulation of such sexual content can have long-lasting effects on the victims, impacting them socially, psychologically, and emotionally. The repercussions may include depression, anxiety disorders, neurosis, and other related conditions that not only affect the individual but also their loved ones. Additionally, the circulation of such content can lead to social stigma, job opportunities being affected, and educational challenges for the victims.
The experts highlighted the importance of understanding the severe implications of sharing such materials, as they can have lasting effects on the victims’ personal and professional lives. It is crucial to prevent the circulation of child sexual content to protect the well-being and reputation of the children involved.