Children’s understanding of sexual exploitation and abuse remains largely superficial and heavily age-dependent, according to a study by Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Centre (CWIN-Nepal) released on Saturday.

The research shows that although many children have heard terms related to abuse, their awareness rarely translates into practical knowledge or the ability to recognise, avoid or report harmful situations.

Children aged 12 to 14 were mostly unfamiliar with basic concepts such as “good touch” and “bad touch.” Those aged 15 and above recognised the terms but often lacked clarity about what constitutes abusive behaviour, coercion or exploitation. Children tend to learn about these issues informally from personal experiences, discussions among peers, or online content, which may or may not be reliable. This pattern, the report says, creates an environment in which awareness and vulnerability grow side by side.

The finding is based on qualitative research conducted in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, including 22 peer-to-peer focus group discussions with 90 girls and 79 boys aged between 12 and 17. Children themselves proposed that adults in their communities also be interviewed, leading to conversations with 25 individuals including law enforcement officials, local government representatives, religious figures, and other community leaders. These interviews helped provide a broader view of how children’s concerns are understood and handled across different sectors of society.

One of the key findings relates to whom children trust when discussing sensitive topics. Many girls identified their elder sisters as the most reliable sources of information and emotional support. According to several participants, sisters were approachable, understanding and had “already gone through the same changes,” which made it easier to talk to them about puberty, relationships and safety. For boys and girls alike, elder siblings were associated with trust, comfort and a sense of connection that was not always present in relationships with adults. The study notes that sibling bonds often compensate for gaps left by parents, teachers or other adults who may be viewed as judgmental, dismissive or too uncomfortable to engage in such conversations.

Children’s accounts also highlight a strong sense of insecurity in public spaces. Many described sections of their neighbourhoods, particularly alleyways, isolated roads and dimly lit areas, as unsafe, especially after evening hours. They said such places were frequented by “people who use drugs or behave inappropriately,” making them feel exposed or threatened.

Public vehicles, unfamiliar streets and crowded festivals were mentioned as spaces where harassment or unwanted touching could occur. These perceptions, the report notes, influence how children move through their communities, limiting their participation in social life, recreational activities and even educational opportunities. Such restrictions ultimately affect their rights to movement, play and development.

Despite being considered spaces for learning and growth, schools were also described as unsafe by several participants. Cases of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by teachers were reported in multiple focus groups. In one instance, a participant recounted that a teacher “used to be touchy with female students and sometimes even with male students.” After a specific incident became widely known, students and adults voiced their complaints, leading to the teacher’s suspension.

Another participant described a situation involving a teacher rumoured to be in a relationship with a female student, which resulted in a police case and suspension. These examples, according to the study, demonstrate that when incidents are exposed and communities respond collectively, it is possible to challenge the impunity often enjoyed by authority figures. However, it also notes that such outcomes are not consistent across communities.

The study further documents the emotional and psychological impacts on children who witness or experience abuse. Participants said that during incidents of harassment or exploitation, children may experience intense feelings of fear, confusion and shock. Several explained that peers often “freeze” in the moment, unable to react or speak. The fear of retaliation or disbelief was repeatedly identified as a major barrier to reporting abuse. One child said that victims may “shut down emotionally due to trauma and stress,” and that if a child discloses their experience to someone who then dismisses or shares it, trust breaks down further, making future disclosures even less likely.

The findings, as per the study, highlight how abuse affects not only children’s immediate sense of safety, but also their long-term emotional stability and ability to rely on others for help. The fear that their families might be harmed, or that their disclosure will be mishandled, creates cycles of silence that leave many children to cope with trauma on their own.

Clearer education, stronger community protection systems and supportive, trustworthy adults are essential to addressing the gaps in children’s understanding and ensuring their safety, the report says.