Kalle Norwald: “We adults have to keep up”

It starts with a conversation. Not always big, dramatic or difficult, but everyday, curious and respectful. For Kalle Norwald, a social worker, sexologist and therapist, this is where the change takes shape: in how we adults choose to meet children and young people. As an ambassador for ChildX, he wants to help increase understanding of children’s realities – both online and offline – and encourage more people to get involved.

What issues in the field (sexual exploitation of children) concern you most?
I would like to see us talk about children’s lives more holistically. They don’t have an online life and an offline life, for children who have grown up with the internet, they are not different things. We adults need to keep up and talk to children and young people and not just about children and young people. See the positive with the negative to gain a better and relevant knowledge of their realities.

How do we get more people involved in the fight against sexual violence against children?
Partly in everyday conversation with children around us. Even if we don’t have children of our own in our household, many of us are important adults to the children around us. You should also talk to them about the fact that there are adults who do not always wish children well, that affirmation is something wonderful to receive while there may be underlying motives from the person giving it and that there are many who work to meet children and young people who have been hurt. Then strengthening organizations that work with the issues is of great importance to enable greater changes in society.

Working with vulnerable children can be mentally challenging. What are your top tips for re-energizing?
Partly to spend time with my own child. But also loved ones to replenish all the beautiful things the world has to offer. Then to compensate for such a cliché answer, I usually eat ice cream, watch TV shows I’ve already seen and prioritize exercise and sleep.