Guidelines for children on child online protection

Summary

Today’s children and young people are growing up in an information society where digital access is increasingly affordable and widespread. This connectivity offers vast educational and social opportunities, allowing young users to explore new frontiers and engage with diverse cultures. However, the digital world also presents risks such as bullying, harassment, identity theft, and exposure to harmful content.

The Child Online Protection (COP) Initiative, developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with contributions from leading institutions like Save the Children and Interpol, aims to create a secure online environment for children. These guidelines, adaptable to different national and local contexts, emphasize the importance of education and awareness to protect young users from online threats. The initiative calls on all stakeholders, including children, to adopt strategies ensuring safer internet use.

These efforts align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Outcomes, which highlight the role of ICTs in child protection and development. The guidelines aim to foster an inclusive information society and uphold children’s rights globally.