Sexual suggestiveness: school calls for investigation after viral video involving teenage student

The school attended by the young boy, Collège Mgr François-Xavier Vogt, has called for an official investigation into the motivations of the woman involved while condemning the student’s behavior.

A viral video circulating on social media has sparked outrage in Yaoundé, showing a 13-year-old student in classroom attire making inappropriate requests to an adult female shop tenant. The school attended by the young boy, Collège Mgr François-Xavier Vogt, has called for an official investigation into the motivations of the woman involved while condemning the student’s behavior.

In an official statement signed on March 25, the principal of the institution, Father Charles-Philippe, emphasized that the video violates the child’s legal rights, as guaranteed under national and international child protection laws. Instead of adopting a corrective or moralistic approach to redirect the child onto the right path, the woman involved chose to exploit the situation for social media attention. The principal strongly condemned this misuse of modern communication tools and highlighted that the publication of such a video does not align with the values of education and social morality promoted by the school.

He noted that the school has maintained close communication with the student’s family to ensure appropriate guidance and support for the young boy. Legal expert Dr. Mesme Bobda highlighted the severe legal ramifications of the case. He explained that the 2023 law on child protection online extends legal protections for minors in digital spaces, making it possible to sanction those who share content that violates a child’s dignity.

He also cited the December 21, 2010, law on cybersecurity and cybercrime, which criminalizes acts that compromise the privacy and dignity of individuals through digital means. Additionally, provisions in the Penal Code address minor offenses and violations of personal rights. According to Dr. Bobda, the case’s outcome will depend on how the authorities classify the offense. The publication of a video involving a minor without protection of their identity constitutes a serious breach of child protection laws.

Sanctions for such offenses include fines ranging from one to ten million CFA francs, as well as potential imprisonment, depending on the judge’s decision. The principal of Collège Mgr François-Xavier Vogt confirmed that authorities have been informed and are actively investigating the case. Law enforcement is working to determine the exact motivations behind the woman’s actions and whether additional legal measures should be taken against her and any other parties involved in the dissemination of the video.

A permanent line of communication has been maintained with the student’s family to provide ongoing psychological and educational support. The school administration reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical and educational values, ensuring that young students are guided appropriately rather than being exposed to harmful influences online. Charles-Philippe reassured the public that further details would be provided as the investigation unfolds.

He stressed the need for a responsible approach to social media and digital communication, urging the public to consider the consequences of online actions on vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The case has ignited broader discussions about the role of adults in shaping children’s moral and digital behavior, as well as the growing concerns over the exploitation of minors in the digital age.