Safe Digital Futures for Children: Aligning Global Agendas | IGF 2023 WS #403

10 Oct 2023 08:00h - 09:30h UTC

Event report

Speakers and Moderators

Speakers:
  • Manojlovic Marija, Intergovernmental Organization
  • Andrea Powell, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
  • Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Government, African Group
  • Matthew Watson, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
  • Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner Australia
  • Ambassador Henri Verdier, French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs Children’s Online Protection Lab
  • Cailin Crockett, Senior Advisor, Gender Policy Council, US White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse
  • Salomé Eggler, Director of Digital Transformation Centre, German Agency for International Cooperation Kenya
  •  Mattito Watson, Senior Technical Advisor of Children in Adversity Team, USAID
  • Ananya Singh, USAID Digital Youth Council
Moderators:
  • Manojlovic Marija, Intergovernmental Organization

Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the IGF session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the IGF's official website.

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Albert Antwi Boasiako

Ghana has made significant progress in integrating child protection into its cybersecurity efforts. The country has passed the Cybersecurity Act, which focuses on child online protection. Additionally, Ghana has established a dedicated division within the Cybersecurity Authority to protect children online. This demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to ending abuse and violence against children, as highlighted in SDG 16.2.

Furthermore, Ghana has seen a remarkable improvement in its cybersecurity readiness, with a rise from 32.6% to 86.6% between 2017 and 2020. This progress aligns with SDG 9.1, which aims to build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation.

Research and data have played a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s cybersecurity policies and laws. Through research, Ghana has identified the challenges faced by children accessing inappropriate content online, leading to more comprehensive child protection strategies. This highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making, as emphasized in SDG 9.5.

However, Ghana has faced challenges in implementing awareness creation programs, particularly in reaching a larger percentage of the population. With a population of 32 million children, Ghana has only achieved around 20% of its awareness creation goals. Overcoming this challenge is crucial in combating cyber threats effectively.

Fragmentation within governmental and non-governmental spaces has been a significant obstacle in child online protection efforts in Ghana. To address this, Ghana needs to institutionalize systematic measures and promote collaboration among stakeholders. This will ensure a unified approach and enhance response effectiveness.

Albert Antwi Boasiako, a proponent of child protection, advocates for the integration of child protection into national cybersecurity frameworks. Albert emphasizes the importance of research conducted with UNICEF and the World Bank in shaping cybersecurity policies, aligning with SDG 16.2.

Public reporting of incidents is also essential for maintaining cybersecurity, as supported by Albert. The establishment of the national hotline 292 in Ghana has proven effective in receiving incident reports and providing guidance to the public. This aligns with SDG 16.6’s objective of developing transparent and accountable institutions.

Implementing cybersecurity laws can pose challenges, particularly in certain developmental contexts. Factors like power concentration and specific country conditions can hinder their practical application. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous effort to ensure equal access to justice, as outlined in SDG 16.3.

In the African context, achieving uniformity in cybersecurity strategies is crucial. Discussions on streamlining online protection and combating cyberbullying in Africa are vital for better cooperation and enhanced cyber resilience across the continent.

Ghana supports regional integration for successful cybersecurity implementation, sharing its expertise with other countries. However, fragmentation within the region remains a challenge that needs to be addressed for effective collaboration and coordination in countering cyber threats.

In conclusion, Ghana’s efforts to incorporate child protection, improve cybersecurity readiness, and promote evidence-based decision-making are commendable. Overcoming challenges related to awareness creation, fragmentation, law implementation, and regional integration will contribute to a more secure digital environment for children in Ghana and beyond.

Marija Manojlovic

Online child safety is often overlooked in discussions surrounding digital governance, which is concerning as protecting children from online harm should be a priority. This issue is further exacerbated by a false choice that is frequently posed between user privacy and online safety. This notion that one must choose between the two is flawed and hinders progress in safeguarding children in the digital realm.

The fragmentation within the digital ecosystem hampers progress in advancing child online safety. Marija, a leader in the field, has observed that collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and academia, are crucial. However, there is an alarming level of fragmentation that impedes progress and the development of effective strategies to ensure children’s safety online.

One positive aspect that emerges from the discussions is the recognition that failures and learnings should be shared openly. Marija proposes that companies and organizations not only share what has worked but also what has failed. Transparency and the sharing of experiences can lead to better solutions and a more cooperative approach to addressing online safety challenges.

To truly drive change, it is essential to understand the root causes of digital challenges. Marija suggests moving upstream and examining the design and policy choices that contribute to online safety issues. This entails exploring how societal norms and technological design enable child exploitation, gender-based violence, and other online hazards.

Creating a unified digital agenda is crucial for maximizing the benefits of digital technologies and ensuring online safety for children. Misalignment in digital agendas can hinder progress, but engaging in meaningful discussions and sharing innovative solutions can help establish an internet environment that is beneficial for all, particularly children.

An evidence-focused and data-informed approach is necessary to effectively protect children online. Marija emphasizes the significance of testing, experimentation, and the sharing of results to inform decisions and shape policies. Building evidence through a cooperative spirit between different stakeholders is key.

Ghana serves as a unique example where child protection has been institutionalised in their cybersecurity work. This highlights the importance of countries actively integrating child protection into their cybersecurity strategies and policies.

However, it is disheartening to see that the innovation ecosystem is not always inclusive of individuals who require safety measures due to various reasons, including concerns for their well-being. This exclusion reinforces the need to address safety concerns to create a more inclusive and diverse innovation ecosystem.

The intersection of online child safety, inclusive digitisation, and gender balance should not be disregarded. Ensuring online safety is crucial for promoting inclusivity and achieving gender equality in the digital realm.

More work needs to be done in preventing gender-based violence and image-based abuse online. These serious issues require attention and effective strategies to protect individuals from harm.

Additionally, it is essential to challenge and address the prevailing narratives and perceptions of these digital challenges that are rooted in gender norms. Overcoming these deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes is crucial for creating a safer and more equitable online space.

While the internet presents numerous opportunities for young people, their participation and protection must be prioritised. Their experiences and perspectives need to be recognised and incorporated into decision-making processes to ensure their safety and well-being.

Moreover, it must be ensured that existing vulnerabilities, such as the gender divide, toxic masculinity, and extremism, are not exacerbated in the online world. Digital platforms should actively work towards a safer and more inclusive environment that nurtures positive interactions and discourages harm.

Lastly, increased investment in the field of online safety and protection is needed. Governments, industry leaders, and other stakeholders must allocate resources and finances towards robust initiatives that safeguard children from online threats.

In conclusion, addressing online child safety is essential and should not be overlooked within the digital governance discourse. It is imperative to dispel the false dichotomy between user privacy and online safety, overcome fragmentation, and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Sharing successes and failures, understanding the root causes of digital challenges, building a unified digital agenda, adopting an evidence-focused and data-informed approach, institutionalising child protection, promoting inclusivity, challenging gender norms, ensuring youth participation and protection, and increasing investment in online safety are all integral to creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all, particularly children.

Mattito Watson

The analysis examines four speakers discussing various aspects of USAID’s strategies and initiatives related to youth and digital experiences. Firstly, it is noted that USAID’s digital strategy was released in 2020, indicating their adoption of digital technologies in development practices. As one of the largest development organizations globally, this digital adaptation is significant in terms of reach and impact.

Additionally, USAID has implemented a child protection strategy, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding children’s well-being. Mattito Watson, who leads the child protection efforts within USAID’s child, children, and adversity team, plays a key role in this area. Moreover, USAID has a youth strategy that emphasizes collaboration and partnership with young people, rather than a paternalistic approach.

The analysis highlights the importance of involving youth in decision-making processes. To facilitate this involvement, USAID established a digital youth council, which serves as an advisory body and nurtures future leaders. The council consists of 12 members, including a gender-balanced representation of seven girls and five young men, underscoring USAID’s commitment to inclusivity.

Understanding the digital experiences of youth is vital. Mattito Watson’s efforts to comprehend the digital experiences of different youth demographics have led to the establishment of the Digital Youth Council, reinforcing the commitment to engage and empower young people.

In conclusion, the analysis reveals USAID’s strategies and initiatives to involve youth and incorporate digital experiences. The release of the digital strategy, implementation of child protection and youth strategies, and the establishment of the digital youth council showcase USAID’s efforts to stay relevant and foster inclusive development practices. By recognizing the importance of involving youth and understanding their digital experiences, USAID is taking a forward-thinking approach that can drive positive change and reduce inequalities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Andrea Powell

The internet has brought both great opportunities and risks for children. On one hand, children now have more access than ever to knowledge, entertainment, and communities, empowering them in various ways. However, there are also troubling aspects of cyberspace, with the dark web being used for criminal activities.

In terms of digital diplomacy and internet laws, there is a call for coherence. The belief is that everything that is forbidden in real life should also be forbidden online, and everything guaranteed offline should also be guaranteed online. Efforts have been made to implement this belief, such as discussions on how to apply the UN Charter or Geneva Convention within a conflict.

Solutions to digital challenges should come from a cooperative effort involving all stakeholders. Governments, companies, civil society organizations, and researchers all have different responsibilities and prerogatives that can contribute to problem-solving in the digital sphere.

One pressing issue is the lack of attention and resources given to child protection online compared to other areas. The field of child protection online is weaker, with less funding and organization, especially in comparison to efforts against terrorist content.

Creating an environment where there is effective testing and sharing of solutions to digital issues, such as age verification, is crucial. Different approaches to age verification exist, each with different levels of privacy, efficiency, and centrality. Finding the right balance is important.

Image-based sexual violence is a growing global issue that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. There are over 3,000 websites designed to host non-consensually shared intimate videos, and young people are increasingly exposed to this form of violence. Survivors often experience psychological distress, trauma, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Shockingly, over 40 cases of child suicide as a result of image-based sexual violence have been uncovered.

There is a need for better knowledge and public awareness of image-based sexual violence. Most law enforcement agencies lack knowledge of the issue, and public misunderstandings perpetuate victim-shaming attitudes. Global regulation and policies need to be harmonized to tackle this issue effectively. Barriers to addressing the issue include the need to prove the intent of the abuser, and it is argued that online sexual violence should be classified as a serious crime.

Tech companies are also called upon to take more accountability and engage proactively. Currently, there are over 3,000 exploitative websites that could be de-indexed, and survivors are left to remove their own images, effectively cleaning up their own crime scenes. Tech companies should play a more active role in preventing and dealing with image-based sexual violence.

In order to support victims of image-based sexual violence, global standardization of support hotlines is necessary. The InHope Network provides a model of global hotline support for child online sexual abuse, and this approach could be expanded to address the needs of victims of image-based sexual violence.

In conclusion, while the internet provides numerous opportunities for children, it also poses risks that need to be addressed. There is a call for coherence in digital diplomacy and internet laws, solutions to challenges should involve a cooperative effort from all stakeholders, child protection online requires more attention and resources, image-based sexual violence is a pressing global issue that demands better knowledge and regulation, tech companies should be more accountable, and global standardization of support hotlines is crucial.

Henri Verdier

The analysis examines topics such as online crime, the dark web, internet fragmentation, internet companies, innovation, security and safety, and violence and gender issues. It reveals that a significant portion of online crime occurs on the dark web rather than social networks, with real-time videos of crimes for sale. To combat this, the analysis suggests increasing police presence, investment, and international cooperation. It also highlights the issue of internet fragmentation at the technical layer, which needs to be addressed. Additionally, there is a disparity in trust and safety investment by internet companies, with greater investment in larger markets and less in smaller ones, especially in Africa. The analysis argues for equalizing trust and safety investment. Market concentration is also opposed, with a call for a more balanced approach to internet companies. Contrary to popular belief, the analysis argues that innovation and regulation can coexist, with regulations sometimes driving innovation. Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes that security, safety, and innovation are not mutually exclusive, and solutions can be found by considering all three. The analysis also explores the interconnectedness of violence and gender issues, noting that social networks play a role in radicalization and that violence often targets gender and minority groups. Ignoring gender issues can lead to overlooking other interconnected issues. In conclusion, the analysis provides a comprehensive examination of various topics and offers valuable insights for addressing these complex issues.

Cailin Crockett

The analysis highlights unanimous agreement among the speakers on the importance of addressing gender-based violence, particularly online violence. They argue that all forms of gender-based violence stem from common root causes and risk factors, often driven by harmful social and gender norms. Furthermore, they emphasize that these crimes are majorly underreported.

The Biden-Harris administration strongly supports efforts to end all forms of gender-based violence. They have taken a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue, including setting up a White House Task Force dedicated to addressing online harassment and abuse. This demonstrates their commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and survivor-centered approaches with a gender lens. The administration acknowledges that gender-based violence has ripple effects on communities, economies, and countries.

In combating online violence, the speakers underline the importance of prevention, survivor support, accountability for both platforms and individual perpetrators, and research. These pillars form the basis of the strategy against online violence. The task force comprises various government departments, such as USAID, the Justice Department, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and more. The Biden-Harris Administration has already outlined 60 actions that federal agencies have committed to taking to address online harassment and abuse.

The speakers note that the United States’ federalist nature leads to multiple approaches being taken across different states and territories to address abuse issues. This diversity reflects the unique challenges and needs of each region. Additionally, they assert the need to balance the interests of children with the rights of parents, as parents may not always be inherently able or willing to represent the best interests of their children.

Investing in prevention and adopting an evidence-informed approach are crucial in addressing gender-based violence. The administration recognizes the importance of maximizing options and support for survivors of abuse to effectively prevent and combat violence.

The CDC’s analysis, titled ‘Connecting the Dots’, aims to identify shared causes of violence across the lifespan. This research contributes to a better understanding of the various forms of interpersonal violence and helps inform prevention strategies.

Finally, the speakers call on civil society to demand government investment in tackling these issues. They emphasize the importance of allocating resources to effectively combat gender-based violence and online violence. This partnership between civil society and the government is crucial for making progressive changes and achieving the goal of ending all forms of violence.

Overall, the analysis emphasizes the urgent need to address gender-based violence, with particular emphasis on online violence. It acknowledges the comprehensive measures taken by the Biden-Harris administration and stresses the significance of prevention, survivor support, accountability, and research. The speakers’ insights shed light on the diverse approaches taken across the United States and highlight the importance of balancing the rights of children with the rights of parents. Investing in prevention and evidence-informed policy is considered essential, and the CDC’s efforts to identify shared causes of violence are valued. Lastly, civil society plays a vital role in advocating for government resources to effectively combat these issues.

Salomé Eggler

The extended summary of the analysis highlights the significant role played by GIZ in integrating child online safety into its projects. GIZ is committed to incorporating child online safety from the outset of its projects, ensuring that the protection of children in the digital space is a top priority. This proactive approach underscores GIZ’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.

Furthermore, GIZ takes a comprehensive approach to ensure child online safety is embedded in every aspect of its projects. By integrating safety requirements at every stage, GIZ creates genuine child online safety projects specifically designed to address the unique challenges and risks faced by children online. This holistic approach is crucial in effectively protecting children from online threats and promoting their digital well-being.

To aid in the implementation of child online safety, GIZ utilises user-friendly tools that do not require extensive expertise in child protection. The Digital Rights Check tool is one such example, helping to assess projects in terms of human rights considerations, including child online safety. This tool allows GIZ to evaluate the extent to which its projects uphold fundamental rights and make necessary adjustments to ensure the protection of children’s rights.

However, the analysis highlights the challenges faced in implementing child online safety. Various cross-cutting issues, such as gender, climate change, and disability and inclusion requirements, need to be balanced with child safety considerations. This requires GIZ practitioners to find a delicate balance between these competing priorities to ensure that child online safety is not compromised. Moreover, limited budgets and time constraints further complicate the implementation process.

Nevertheless, the analysis indicates that increasing digitalization projects present an opportunity to mainstream child online safety. As GIZ’s digital projects continue to expand, there is a chance to incorporate child online safety into more frameworks and tools. By leveraging the digital rights check and other appropriate measures, GIZ can ensure that child protection considerations are integrated into larger projects, leading to a safer online environment for children.

Overall, the sentiment towards GIZ’s efforts in integrating child online safety is positive. GIZ’s commitment to embedding child online safety into its projects and using tools to assess projects in terms of human rights, including child online safety, demonstrates a proactive approach towards protecting children’s rights in the digital age. However, the challenges associated with implementing child online safety, along with limited resources, highlight the need for ongoing commitment and collaboration to overcome these obstacles.

In conclusion, GIZ’s role in integrating child online safety is crucial. By prioritising child protection from the outset of projects, adopting a comprehensive approach, utilising user-friendly tools, and capitalising on digitalisation opportunities, GIZ demonstrates its commitment to creating a safer online environment for children. Continued efforts, collaboration, and resource allocation are essential to overcome challenges and ensure the effective implementation of child online safety measures.

Moderator

Omar Farouk, in collaboration with UNICEF and the UN Tech Envoy, is actively involved in Project Omna, aiming to tackle pressing digital issues such as cybersecurity, bullying, and privacy on a global scale. The project is focused on addressing the challenges faced by children in the digital space and ensuring their safety.

The importance of balancing child safety and economic growth in the digital realm is a key aspect of the discussion. It is evident that as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial to protect children from the potential harms that exist online while fostering an environment that promotes economic growth and innovation.

One of the primary arguments put forward is the need for strong partnerships between government, businesses, and civil society to effectively address child safety in the digital space. Collaborative efforts among these stakeholders are crucial in developing strategies and implementing measures that protect children from online threats. By working together, they can leverage their respective expertise and resources to create a safer digital environment for children.

The summary highlights the related topics of child safety online, government-business partnerships, civil society, and the digital space. It is evident that these topics are intertwined and interconnected. Effective child protection in the digital space requires cooperation and collaboration among all these stakeholders.

Furthermore, the discussion emphasizes the role of partnerships in achieving one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals). This demonstrates the global recognition of the importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges like child safety online.

The summary does not mention any specific supporting facts or evidence. However, the involvement of UNICEF and the UN Tech Envoy in Project Omna provides a strong indication of the credibility and importance of the initiative. Additionally, the fact that the summary mentions the need for partnerships suggests that there is evidence supporting the argument for such collaborations.

In conclusion, the expanded summary highlights Omar Farouk’s involvement in Project Omna, undertaken in partnership with UNICEF and the UN Tech Envoy, to address critical digital issues. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of balancing child safety and economic growth in the digital space and calls for strong partnerships between government, businesses, and civil society. By working together, these stakeholders can effectively tackle the challenges faced by children online and create a safer digital environment for all.

Julie Inman Grant

The issue of online safety for children is a significant concern that requires attention. Children make up one-third of global internet users, and they are considered more vulnerable online. The sentiment towards this issue is mainly negative, with arguments emphasising the need for safety measures and awareness to protect children.

One argument highlights that the internet was not designed for children, and thus, their safety should be considered. This emphasises the negative sentiment regarding the lack of adequate safeguards for children online. The related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is 3.2, which aims to end preventable deaths of newborns and children.

Another argument focuses on the long-term impacts of children becoming victims of online abuse. Victims of child abuse are more likely to experience sexual assault, domestic violence, mental health issues, and even become offenders themselves. This negative sentiment highlights the serious societal costs associated with online abuse of children. The related SDGs are 3.4, which promotes mental health and well-being, and 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Education and awareness are seen as crucial factors in addressing online safety for children. The positive sentiment is observed in the argument that prioritising education and awareness regarding internet safety is essential. Programmes and initiatives aimed at parents and young people demonstrate the commitment to promoting safety. The related SDG is 4.7, which focuses on education for sustainable development and global citizenship.

The inadequacy of age verification on online platforms is highlighted, with a negative sentiment towards platform responsibility. The argument is that platforms need to improve age verification, as even eight and nine-year-olds are reporting cyberbullying. It is emphasised that young children lack the cognitive ability to handle risks on such platforms. The related SDG is 16.2, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.

The importance of developing technology with human safety, particularly children, as a core consideration is emphasised. The positive sentiment is expressed in the argument that the welfare of children should be considered from the beginning of technology development. Anticipating and mitigating risks is crucial to ensure their safety. The related SDGs are 9.5, which promotes enhancing scientific research and technological capabilities, and 16.2, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.

The effectiveness of self-regulation in dealing with cyberbullying and image-based abuse is questioned, expressing a negative sentiment. It is argued that self-regulation is no longer effective, with evidence suggesting a 90% success rate in removing cyberbullying content and image-based abuse. The related SDG is 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Cooperation between regulatory bodies and industry is advocated as necessary for prevention, protection, and proactive and systemic change. The positive sentiment is observed in the argument that such cooperation is essential to effectively address the issue. Initiatives and networks have already been established to work together in removing abusive content. The related SDG is 17, which emphasises partnerships for achieving goals.

It is noted that there is no need to start from scratch when building regulatory models for online safety, expressing a positive sentiment. The argument is that localized materials have been developed in multiple languages to ensure wider accessibility, and sharing experiences, including mistakes, can help prevent future harm. The related SDG is 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Lastly, it is argued that online safety must be a collective responsibility, reflecting a positive sentiment. The argument emphasizes that no one will be safe until everyone is safe. This highlights the importance of individuals, communities, and organizations working together to ensure online safety for all. The related SDG is 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

In conclusion, the importance of online safety for children is a pressing issue. The negative sentiment arises from concerns over their vulnerability and the long-term impacts of online abuse. Education and awareness, improved age verification, technology development with child safety in mind, and cooperation between regulatory bodies and industry are crucial for prevention and protection. The limitations of self-regulation are observed, and the need for collective responsibility is emphasized. Addressing these issues is vital to ensure a safer online environment for children.

Audience

During the discussion on the protection of children’s rights, several key points were raised by the speakers. One speaker emphasised the need to draw practical measures to prioritise child rights. This is particularly important in addressing issues such as abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence, which are central to SDG 16.2. The speaker highlighted their work at the Elena Institute, a child rights organisation, and their involvement in the Brazilian Coalition to End Violence.

Another speaker emphasised the importance of laws and design in avoiding fragmentation and effectively implementing new ideas. This is crucial in the context of child rights, as effective implementation requires a holistic approach. The speaker did not provide any specific supporting facts for their argument, but the need for coordination and coherence in policy and legislation is broadly recognised in this field.

The discussion also touched upon the need for better cybersecurity strategies and laws to protect online users, especially in African countries. The speaker highlighted the progress made by Ghana in this regard and stressed the importance of addressing cybersecurity in the context of digital inclusion and progress. They suggested gathering best practices and suggestions at both the national level and civil society level to combat issues such as cyberbullying.

There were also concerns expressed about balancing parental supervision tools with a child’s right to information and seeking help. The speakers pointed out the high rates of online abuse in Brazil, and the potential risks of violence coming from within the family, highlighting the need for caution with supervision tools.

The debate over prevention measures, such as sexual education, in conservative countries was mentioned as well. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced in advocating for such strategies, as they can be seen as taboo in conservative countries. The importance of finding practical approaches to deal with child abuse and exploitation, while considering cultural and social contexts, was emphasised.

In conclusion, the discussion emphasised the importance of practical approaches in safeguarding children’s rights. It called for the development of effective strategies and laws to address issues such as abuse, exploitation, and violence in both physical and online contexts. It highlighted the need for coordination, coherence, and best practices at multiple levels, including national and civil society. The debate also shed light on the challenges of balancing parental supervision tools with a child’s right to information and the difficulties in advocating for prevention strategies in conservative countries. Overall, the discussion underscored the need for comprehensive and contextually sensitive approaches to protect and promote children’s rights.

Ananya Singh

The USAID Digital Youth Council plays a crucial role in involving youth in digital development. The council has been created by USAID to ensure that the voices of young people are incorporated in the implementation of their digital strategy. They provide a platform for youth to have their voices heard and influence the development strategies. This initiative is aligned with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

The speaker, who is part of the USAID Digital Youth Council, actively works towards providing the platform for youth to have their voices heard and influence development strategies. This highlights the importance of giving young people a voice in shaping digital development. The sentiment is positive towards this argument, as it recognises the need for youth to have a platform to be heard.

Furthermore, the council has been instrumental in guiding the implementation of the USAID’s digital strategy and raising awareness about digital harms. They have co-created sessions on emerging technologies, which indicates their active involvement in shaping the digital landscape. This is in line with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Moreover, the council members have designed apps to educate young people about digital harms, showcasing their creativity and commitment to addressing challenges in the digital world. This demonstrates the council’s dedication to empowering young people and equipping them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the digital space safely.

Involving youth in decision-making processes has been found beneficial, and the Digital Youth Council exemplifies this. Ananya Singh, a member of the council, was allowed to share the stage with USAID administrator and U.S. Congress representatives, indicating the recognition and importance given to the council’s involvement. Additionally, young council members were involved in planning and speaking at multiple sessions of the USAID at the Global Digital Development Forum, further highlighting their active participation in decision-making processes. This aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Overall, the Digital Youth Council’s work has been a success story in empowering youth and promoting digital engagement. By providing a platform for young people’s voices to be heard, guiding the implementation of digital strategies, raising awareness about digital harms, and actively participating in decision-making processes, the council is contributing to the advancement of SDGs and ensuring that youth are active and equal partners in digital development.

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