Bundesrat wants to better protect children against cybersexual crimes

Children need better protection against sexual crimes committed on the internet. The Federal Council recorded this in a report on Wednesday. Closer cooperation in combating such crimes and greater prevention is necessary.

In Switzerland, the cantons are primarily responsible for child protection and criminal prosecution. Several actors in the Confederation, in the cantons and in the municipalities are now fighting against child sexual abuse committed in cyberspace. According to the Federal Council, this work is necessary and should be intensified.

Closer cooperation needed

He makes further recommendations in his report. First of all, cybersexual offenses must be better registered. Actors should cooperate more closely within their competences. Boost also needs prevention. In addition to children and young people, it is also intended to address parents, teachers and other carers.

According to the announcement, the Federal Council itself wants to implement its own measures as part of the national platform “Youth and Media” of the Federal Social Insurance Service. Parents and professionals will find tips for dealing with cyber sex offenses and contact points for problems and calamities.

“Jugend und Medien” also has a database with offers and services. Organizations that are active in promoting media skills and are committed to the protection of minors can draw attention to activities and offers – such as courses – in this way.

The activities of the actors promoting the media literacy of children and young people should be better coordinated. It is important for the Federal Council to identify good examples and to sensitize the wider public to combating sexual crimes against children in cyberspace.

Four violations investigated

Parliament commissioned the report of the Federal Council with a postulate of former National Councilor Rosmarie Quadranti (BDP/ZH). The basis for the paper was a study by researchers at the University of Lausanne commissioned by the federal government.

Four criminal offenses were investigated: making and distributing images of child sexual abuse, live streaming of child sexual abuse, sextortion and cybergrooming. These crimes often involve adults posing as young people for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a child. (aeg/sda)