The Urgent Need for a Safer Digital World for Children

As more children access the digital environment, often at younger ages, they face an alarming array of online risks, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, exposure to harmful content, and recruitment by extremist groups. The rapid expansion of digital technologies has outpaced the development of protective frameworks, leaving children vulnerable to both immediate and long-lasting harm. Despite some data highlighting these risks, the full extent of online violence against children remains under-reported and under-prosecuted. To protect children, it is critical to adopt a comprehensive approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of online and offline violence and addresses the unique vulnerabilities children face in the digital world.

Strengthening Protective Measures in the Digital Environment

To create a safer digital environment for children, urgent action is needed from all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and particularly the tech industry. The tech sector must prioritize children’s rights to safety and protection, embedding these principles into their business models from the outset. Existing partnerships and guidance on children's rights-based approaches provide a foundation for action, but these must be implemented at a scale and speed that matches the growing threats. Moreover, it is essential to involve children in developing solutions, ensuring their voices are heard in creating a digital environment that protects and promotes their well-being.