Facilitating children’s access to protection and support through digital means
Protection through online Participation
Help one click away
PoP is a global initiative that explores how children and youth use digital platforms to access safety and protection. While online risks are well-documented, we must also recognize the internet as a lifeline, especially during crises. Children reach out for help, report abuse, seek counseling, and even create digital solutions to support peers. Yet, there's a limited understanding of how these systems function.
The 5Ps
To address this, PoP developed Guiding Principles – the 5Ps - to ensure digital spaces offer timely, secure, and child-centered support. The 5Ps offer concrete recommendations for policy makers, technology platforms, and child helplines and similar services, to ensure children have access to safety and support through digital means, regardless of the form of harm they’re experiencing.
PoP Principles launch
On December 15, 2025, the PoP partners launched the 5Ps through an online webinar. Watch the recording of the launch here.
PoP - Guiding Principles
The Protection through Online Participation (PoP) Principles provide global guidance to strengthen online reporting and support systems for children. Developed by ITU and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, in collaboration with a diverse group of partners from civil society, academia, child helplines, industry and international organizations, the Principles highlight how digital environments can serve not only as spaces where risks arise, but also as critical entry points for children to seek help, access support and be referred to appropriate protection services. Grounded in child consultations and multi-stakeholder expertise, the PoP Principles aim to support governments, industry, civil society and other actors in building safer, more accessible and child-centred online protection pathways.
PoP Partners
