How State and Non-State Actors Use and Respond to Technological Initiatives for Reporting and Management of Child Sexual Abuse in Selected Schools

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a problematic global issue, with Nigeria being no exception. Despite its widespread nature, CSA often remains inadequately reported due to sociocultural barriers and fear of stigmatisation. The integration of digital technology has emerged as a promising approach to reporting and managing child sexual abuse. This study investigates the potential of digital technology in managing CSA in public secondary schools in Ondo State, Nigeria, with a focus on the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV) Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) at School Campaign. Employing the in-depth interview to obtain data from school administrators in public secondary schools in Ondo State and key staff of the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV). The findings reveal that while a digital platform is available to facilitate reporting and management of CSA cases, its adoption is hindered by limited awareness, technology anxiety, infrastructural challenges, and reliance on manual (non-digital) reporting methods. The study suggest that technology can help organise critical data and improve response to CSA.