Yesterday, on August 5th, I attended an online workshop hosted by the Nagano Prefectural Board of Education. The session focused on deepening our understanding of sexual exploitation and digital sexual violence, especially as these issues affect young people.

The workshop explained how sexual exploitation can occur both in-person and online—often targeting vulnerable individuals through manipulation, pressure, or threats. It also highlighted the growing risks of digital sexual violence, such as the non-consensual sharing of private images, sextortion, and online harassment.

What stood out was the strong emphasis on prevention through education—teaching students about consent, respect, and the responsible use of digital devices. The speaker stressed the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where students feel empowered to speak up and seek help when needed.

As educators, it was a powerful reminder that we play a key role in raising awareness, setting clear boundaries, and protecting students from these forms of harm.