Guidelines for parents, guardians and educators on child online protection

Summary

The Internet has greatly benefited children worldwide, with the number of connected households increasing significantly from under 200 million in 1998 to over 1.5 billion by early 2009. Despite its advantages, the Internet poses risks, particularly for children. Technically savvy, children quickly master complex programs and applications, often more intuitively than adults, who bring valuable life skills and experience to the e-safety debate. It is crucial to understand what children are actually doing online, as many adults are unaware of the connectivity capabilities of game consoles and mobile devices.

A common misconception is that children are safer using the Internet at home than outside, but the Internet can expose them to dangers just as the real world can. The Child Online Protection (COP) Initiative, part of ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda, developed guidelines to create a safe cyber environment for current and future generations. These guidelines act as a flexible blueprint adaptable to national or local customs and laws, addressing issues relevant to all children under 18, while acknowledging their unique needs.

Prepared by ITU in collaboration with organizations like the EU Safer Internet Programme, ENISA, Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety, Cyberpeace Initiative, and the University of Edinburgh, the guidelines also received contributions from national governments and high-tech companies. ITU and the report’s authors urge all stakeholders to adopt policies that protect children in cyberspace, promoting safe online access. This initiative aims to build a more inclusive information society and help ITU Member States fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the WSIS Outcomes Document.