The internet and digital technologies hold significant potential for realising children’s rights. However, the digital space also introduces significant risks, especially for children. This session will focus on the importance of embedding children's rights and safety within the digitalisation agenda. As countries navigate digital transformation, it is essential to implement coordinated strategies that involve multiple sectors - technology, social services, justice, education, civil society and community amongst others - to ensure the safety and well-being of child users. This session, facilitated by UNICEF, will convene speakers from around the globe to discuss multi-sectoral strategies that seek to reap the benefits of digital innovation for children while guarding against myriad risks. Participants will hear directly from policymakers and practitioners, representing: • the Family Affairs Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, • the Global Cybersecurity Forum, • the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, • Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, • Child Helpline International, and • Business for Social Responsibility. The speakers will share innovative measures from their countries and organisations. These examples will showcase the roles of various stakeholders in creating policies, programmes, and technological solutions that prioritise child safety and well-being while facilitating children's engagement with digital technologies. The session will include a moderated discussion to encourage participation from both the online and onsite audience. Key points of discussion will include the importance of incorporating children’s rights and views into the design and implementation of policy measures and technologies; the necessity for educative measures to consider children’s safety and well-being in all settings, moving past binary notions of ‘online’ and ‘offline’; and how technologies can support children’s safety and well-being. This interactive session aims to foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas, experiences, and innovative strategies to embed children’s rights within the digitalisation agenda.
Open Zoom
