Proposal for Exploratory Research on Online to Offline Abuse Among Children in Nepal

1. Introduction
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) is pleased to submit a proposal for a comprehensive exploratory research program focused on understanding the impact of online and offline forms of violence against children and evaluating the effectiveness and gap in the legislative framework, referral, and response mechanisms in Nepal.

2. Background
In today’s digital age, children are increasingly exposed to the risks of the digital environment, including online abuse and exploitation. Recognizing the critical role of monitoring, research, and advocacy to ensure the protection of children’s rights in the digital domain, DRN has undertaken significant projects on digital rights issues.

3. Objectives
The proposed research program seeks to:

a. Analyze the linkages between online and offline abuses against children.
b. Assess gender differences and patterns in violence against children.
c. Evaluate the effectiveness of hotlines in reporting cases of violence against children.
d. Determine the digital literacy status of children and their parents.
e. Map the availability of legislation and policies at national and sub-national levels.
f. Study the effectiveness of case management and referral mechanisms.

4. Methodology
The research program will adopt a mixed-method exploratory approach. The proposed methodology includes:

a. Quantitative and qualitative research methods: Surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders, including children, parents, teachers, CSOs actors, government officials, and police officials.
b. Policy analysis: Review of existing legislation and policies related to violence against children.
c. Ethical considerations: Ensuring the research process adheres to rights-based, participatory, inclusive, and ethical standards.

5. Research Locations
The research will be carried out in Madhesh Province, Saptari, Sarlahi, and Mahottari districts, covering both rural and urban areas.

6. Timeline
The proposed research timeline includes data collection, analysis, validation, report writing, and dissemination over six months. Milestones include:

a. Literature review and policy analysis: Month 1
b. Data collection: Months 2-3
c. Data analysis and validation: Month 4
d. Report writing, article development, and design: Month 5
e. Publication and dissemination: Month 6

7. Deliverables
The research will produce the following outputs:

a. A comprehensive research report.
b. A summary report for wider dissemination.
c. An evidence-based article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
d. Design, publication, and dissemination of full research and summary report.

8. Budget
The budget for the research program will cover the costs associated with data collection, analysis, report writing, and dissemination. This includes staff remuneration, travel expenses, training and workshops, publication costs, and any other related expenses.

9. Conclusion
The increasing prevalence of online abuse and exploitation underscores the urgent need to understand its impact on children and develop effective interventions to protect their rights in the digital environment. The proposed exploratory research by DRN will provide crucial insights to inform policy-making, advocacy efforts, and support to children and stakeholders in Nepal.


Proposal: Exploratory Research on the Impact of Online to Offline Abuse Amongst Children

Introduction and Background
We appreciate the opportunity to submit this proposal to conduct an exploratory research study on the impact of online to offline abuse amongst children in Madhesh Province, specifically in the working areas of Saptari, Sarlahi, and Mahottari. The aim of this research is to analyze the effectiveness and identify gaps in legislative aspects, referral and response mechanisms, and explore the patterns of online to offline abuse, particularly from a gender lens. The research will also assess the extent to which the existing hotlines (1098, 104, 1145) are child-friendly and gender-friendly, as well as the comfort level of children, including those most impacted by discrimination and inequality, in utilizing these services.

Methodology
2.1 Study Design:
The proposed research will employ a mixed-method exploratory design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, as well as surveys. This approach will enable us to gather comprehensive data and insights into the context of online to offline abuse among children. Additionally, a policy analysis will be conducted to evaluate the existing legislation and policies related to online/offline violence against children.

2.2 Study Location:
The research will be conducted in Madhesh Province, specifically in the working areas of Saptari, Sarlahi, and Mahottari. Both rural and urban areas will be explored to ensure a representative sample and capture the diversity of experiences and perspectives.

2.3 Study Population:
The target groups for this research include:

Children (disaggregated by gender, disability, etc.)
Parents
Teachers
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) actors
Government officials
Police (Cyber Bureau)

2.4 Ethical Considerations:
We understand the importance of ethical considerations in this research study. Prior to conducting interviews, the objective of the study will be shared with all research participants, and verbal consent will be obtained from all respondents. For children, verbal consent will be obtained from their parents or legal guardians, and assent will be sought directly from the children themselves. Respondents will have the right to withdraw their participation at any time. We will ensure confidentiality by using pseudonyms instead of real names in all quotations and maintaining the privacy of personal identifiers.

Moreover, the research will follow the principles of child participation, ensuring that children have opportunities to be involved in the research process beyond being mere respondents. Child-led focus group discussions (FGDs) will be conducted, and children may be engaged in determining success criteria, collecting data, and validating findings. We will adhere to the 9 Basic Requirements for meaningful and ethical child participation. The research will also be inclusive, encouraging participation from children of different ethnic, social, and religious backgrounds, including children with disabilities and those who may face exclusion or discrimination.

Services and Deliverables
3.1 Key Deliverables:
Based on the scope of work, the following deliverables will be provided:

Literature Review: A comprehensive review of the situation of online and offline forms of violence against children, including an examination of relevant policies and legislation.
Data Collection: Implementation of data collection methods, including surveys, focus group discussions with parents and teachers, and key informant interviews with stakeholders.
Data Validation Workshop: A workshop will be conducted to validate the research findings and involve children, young people, government representatives, CSOs, and academia.
Research Report: A full research report will be developed, documenting the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
Summary Report: A concise summary report will be prepared to facilitate wider dissemination and accessibility of the research findings.
Research-Informed Article: A scholarly article will be written, based on the research findings, for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Design, Publication, and Dissemination: The research report and summary brief will be designed, published, and disseminated to relevant stakeholders.
Proposal Requirements
To address the research objectives effectively, our proposal includes the following components:

4.1 Detailed Research Methodology:
Our research methodology will encompass a clear outline of the sampling strategy, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. We will ensure the participation of children and young people through age and gender-appropriate approaches, promoting a safe and creative space for their thoughts and ideas to be expressed.

4.2 Prior Work and Expertise:
Our consulting firm has extensive experience and knowledge in conducting research on related topics. We have successfully carried out numerous studies focusing on child protection, online safety, and gender issues. Our team of experts possesses a deep understanding of research methodologies, data analysis, and ethical considerations.

4.3 Research Timeline:
We have developed a comprehensive research timeline that outlines key milestones, including data collection, write-up, and completion. This timeline ensures that the research study will be conducted efficiently, while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Conclusion
In conclusion, we are fully committed to conducting an exploratory research study on the impact of online to offline abuse amongst children in Madhesh Province. Our mixed-method approach, inclusive methodologies, and adherence to ethical considerations will enable us to gather valuable insights into the issue at hand. We are confident that our expertise, experience, and commitment will contribute significantly to addressing the research objectives and providing actionable recommendations for effective intervention and policy development.

We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate on this research study and contribute to the protection and well-being of children in Nepal.

Thank you for considering our proposal.




Proposal for Exploratory Research on Online to Offline Abuse Among Children in Nepal

1. Introduction
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) is pleased to submit an in-depth proposal for a comprehensive exploratory research program focused on understanding the impact of online and offline forms of violence against children. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and gaps in the legislative framework, referral, and response mechanisms in Nepal.

2. Background
Children’s exposure to digital technologies has grown exponentially in recent years, offering new opportunities for learning, communication, and empowerment. However, this increased exposure has also resulted in greater risks to children’s safety and well-being. Recognizing the critical role of monitoring, research, and advocacy to ensure the protection of children’s rights in the digital domain, DRN has undertaken significant projects addressing digital rights issues.

3. Objectives
The proposed research program seeks to:

a. Analyze the linkages between online and offline abuses against children.
b. Assess gender differences and patterns in violence against children.
c. Evaluate the effectiveness of hotlines in reporting cases of violence against children.
d. Determine the digital literacy status of children and their parents.
e. Map the availability of legislation and policies at national and sub-national levels.
f. Study the effectiveness of case management and referral mechanisms.

4. Methodology
The research program will adopt a mixed-method exploratory approach. We will use both quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as surveys to collect data. This includes:

a. Quantitative research methods: Structured questionnaires will be designed for children and relevant stakeholders to collect data on their experiences and perceptions of online and offline abuses.
b. Qualitative research methods: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with children, parents, teachers, and key stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and concerns related to online and offline abuses.
c. Policy analysis: A comprehensive review of existing legislation and policies related to violence against children at national and sub-national levels will be carried out. This includes assessing the effectiveness of existing case management and referral mechanisms.
d. Ethical considerations: Ensuring the research process is rights-based, participatory, inclusive, and adheres to ethical standards. This includes obtaining consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and adhering to child safeguarding and data protection protocols.

5. Research Locations
The research will be carried out in Madhesh Province, specifically in the districts of Saptari, Sarlahi, and Mahottari, covering both rural and urban areas.

6. Target Population and Sampling
The target groups for this research include children (disaggregated by gender, disability, etc.), parents, teachers, CSOs actors, government officials, and police personnel (Cyber Bureau). A stratified random sampling approach will be used to ensure that the sample is representative of the population while taking into consideration different demographic characteristics.

7. Data Analysis
Data collected from both quantitative and qualitative methods will be analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques and thematic analysis. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data will be systematically coded and thematic analysis performed to identify emerging patterns and themes.

8. Validation of Findings
To ensure the reliability and credibility of the research findings, a data validation workshop will be conducted with children, young people, government officials, CSOs, and academia. This workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss the emerging findings from the research and obtain feedback and insights from the relevant stakeholders.

9. Timeline
The proposed research program will run over six months. The timeline includes data collection, analysis, validation, report writing, and dissemination:

a. Literature review and policy analysis: Month 1
b. Development of research tools and instruments: Month 1-2
c. Data collection: Months 2-3
d. Data analysis: Month 4
e. Data validation workshop: Month 4
f. Report writing, article development, and design: Months 4-5
g. Publication and dissemination: Month 6

10. Deliverables
This research will result in the following deliverables:

a. A comprehensive research report detailing the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
b. A summary report for wider dissemination among stakeholders and the public.
c. An evidence-based article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
d. Design, publication, and dissemination of full research and summary reports.

11. Budget
The budget for the research program will cover the costs associated with data collection, analysis, report writing, and dissemination. This includes staff remuneration, travel expenses, training and workshops, publication costs, and other related expenses.

12. Monitoring and Evaluation
A monitoring and evaluation framework will be established for tracking the progress of the research project and ensuring the quality and relevance of the research deliverables. This will include regular monitoring meetings involving DRN’s project team, as well as internal and external evaluations of the research process and outcomes.

13. Conclusion
The proposed exploratory research by DRN will provide essential insights and evidence to inform policymaking, advocacy efforts, and support for children and stakeholders affected by online and offline abuses in Nepal. By examining the intricate linkages between these forms of violence, DRN aspires to contribute to the development of comprehensive strategies and interventions that protect and promote children’s rights in the digital environment.









1. Organization Background: Digital Rights Nepal (DRN)

1.1 Work experience
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) is a non-profit organization established in 2020 with the mission to safeguard digital rights and create a safe and secure digital space for all individuals. DRN’s team comprises rights advocates, academics, civitech advocates, and campaigners, all of whom possess extensive experience in running and implementing internet freedom and digital rights-related projects in Nepal. The organization has established a strong network of stakeholders, significantly impacting its influence and work.

DRN’s work experience includes policy research and advocacy, research and surveys, youth engagement and capacity building, social media campaigns, collaboration with local governments and civil society organizations, and international advocacy.

1.2 Existing and current human resource of the organization
DRN’s organizational structure consists of a diverse team of professionals with expertise in human rights, law, gender studies, social sciences, and technology. The organization is led by an Executive Director who oversees the overall strategic direction and programmatic implementation. The team includes:

- Program and Policy Advocates: Develop and implement advocacy strategies, policy research, and engagement activities.
- Research Officers: Conduct research and data analysis on digital rights and related issues.
- Communication Specialists: Manage social media campaigns, develop communication materials, and engage with media.
- Trainers and Capacity Building Experts: Deliver training programs, workshops, and educational resources targeting various stakeholders.
- Finance and Administration Officers: Ensure financial compliance, reporting, and smooth operation of the organization.

1.3 Understanding of ToR, proposed modality / approach, and workplan
Based on our understanding of the ToR, the primary goal is to conduct comprehensive exploratory research on the impact of online to offline abuse among children in Nepal. To achieve this goal, our proposed workplan entails the following steps:

- Conducting a literature review and policy analysis
- Developing research tools and instruments
- Collecting quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions
- Analyzing data through appropriate statistical techniques and thematic analysis
- Validating research findings with workshops involving relevant stakeholders
- Writing, publishing, and disseminating the research report and a summary brief
- Developing an evidence-based article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal

1.4 Proposed Budget with clear breakdowns (inclusive/exclusive of VAT)
The proposed budget for the research includes costs associated with data collection, analysis, report writing, and dissemination. The budget estimates are as follows (assuming VAT inclusive):

- Personnel costs (research team, trainers and facilitators for stakeholders’ workshops): USD 10,000
- Travel expenses (field visits, workshops, stakeholder meetings): USD 5,000
- Training and workshops (venue, materials, refreshments): USD 3,000
- Data collection tools and software licenses: USD 2,000
- Report writing, design, printing, and publication of research findings: USD 5,000
- Miscellaneous and contingencies: USD 1,000

Total Estimated Budget: USD 26,000

Please note that these figures are rough estimates and may need to be revised upon further discussion and understanding of the assignment’s scope and requirements.