Children are spending more time online than ever before, with a child going online for the first time every half second, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). While online platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for learning and social interaction, they also present significant risks, including exposure to harmful practices, privacy violations, cyberbullying, and even child trafficking.
At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, experts and stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to make the digital world safer for children. They emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure children reap the benefits of technology while minimizing associated risks.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
Eugene Kaspersky, Founder and CEO of Kaspersky, acknowledged the dual-edged nature of digital access for children. “There is no problem with children using digital technologies, but only the time they spend online,” he stated. Kaspersky highlighted the randomness of online interactions and content as significant concerns, especially for young children.
He also pointed to the growing risks associated with tech-enabled toys that children access offline, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety measures both online and offline.
On the other hand, Syed Munir, Chairperson of the Institute for Policy, Advocacy and Governance (IPAG), stressed the transformative potential of the internet for marginalized and disabled children. “The internet has offered a lifeline,” he said, urging stakeholders to focus on making technology safer rather than excluding children from its benefits.
Social Media Platforms Taking Action
Major social media platforms have responded by implementing age restrictions and introducing child-specific safety features. Platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has rolled out over 50 safety features to protect young users. These include private teen accounts, restricted messaging to limit unwanted adult interactions, and content control settings that reduce exposure to sensitive material.
Deepali Liberhan, Meta’s Global Director of Safety Policy, explained that the company’s strategy focuses on education, meaningful content creation, and time management for young users. One notable feature is the introduction of notifications encouraging teens to log off after an hour of usage. Additionally, the automatic sleep mode mutes all notifications between 10 pm and 7 am, promoting healthier online habits.
The Importance of Digital Literacy and Multistakeholder Collaboration
Despite these advancements, experts argue that technical measures alone are insufficient. Digital literacy education is vital for empowering children to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly. Parents, educators, governments, and technology companies must work together to create a secure digital environment.
Kaspersky’s call for increased vigilance regarding offline tech-enabled toys further broadens the scope of responsibility. It highlights the necessity of safeguarding children in all aspects of their digital and technological interactions.
Towards a Safer Digital Future
The discussion at the IGF underscores the urgent need for innovative, inclusive, and adaptive approaches to online safety for children. While the digital world offers immense opportunities, ensuring children’s safety requires a delicate balance of empowerment and protection.
Through ongoing collaboration among stakeholders, a safer digital future for children is achievable one where they can thrive, learn, and connect without fear of harm.
