On 18 November 2023, the European Day for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, Child Focus (part of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre) reactivated his phone as a tool against non-consensual sexting and exposure. Everyone who calls Glenn's number (0492 79 58 30) signs a petition for the better protection of young people from online sexual exploitation. 

In 2022, Child Focus opened 151 files of non-consensual sexting, the exchange – under pressure or without consent – of sexually explicit messages or images through digital media. In recent years, Child Focus has noticed the emergence of a new phenomenon in which such images, often together with private data of the victim, are disseminated through social media such as Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram or Telegram, sometimes also within so-called exposé groups. There, the victims are humiliated, threatened, and even blackmailed. With this campaign, Child Focus calls for more attention to these issues, an updated legislative framework, and more resources for the prevention and counselling of victims. 

Child Focus also calls on policymakers to work together to build a society free of child sexual abuse, both offline and online, through a combination of strong laws, prevention and support for victims, all in consultation with young people, parents and caregivers, and experts. 

Equally, Child Focus advocates for a change in mindset where all possible bystanders do not get caught up in the group dynamics of exposé groups and, instead, step out of them. Bystanders can also play a crucial role in the context of non-consensual sexting by standing up for the victim. Correspondingly, perpetrators also need to be made more aware of the real consequences of their actions; non-consensual sexting is always punishable. Calls for victim blaming, slut-shaming, or exposing are never harmless and have enormous consequences for the victim. 

Since the launch of the campaign, Child Focus has collected more than 37,000 signatures. 

Find more information on the campaign at www.belglenn.be. 

Learn more about the work and initiatives of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.