Safe Surfing: Understanding Child Online Activity

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Iain Drennan

The threat of child sexual abuse material online is growing and becoming more diverse. According to a global threat assessment published by the WeProtect Global Alliance, there has been an increase in such material appearing online. This includes the alarming trend of children being tricked into providing intimate images, which can have serious consequences. Additionally, there are concerns about the use of AI and deep fake technology to create intimidating images, further exacerbating the issue. The overall sentiment towards this issue is negative, highlighting the urgent need for action.

International action is required to address child sexual abuse online. Saudi Arabia’s initiation of a holistic framework to combat this issue is seen as a progressive step. The responsibility for child online safety lies with the global and national community, including the government and the private sector. Empowering children with tools and choices online is important, as is the need for user-friendly platforms with easy reporting systems to enable children to report any discomfort.

There is collaboration between the public and private sectors, with technology and software engineers engaging with governments and regulatory bodies. The aim is to establish high privacy and protection standards for child users. A collaborative and cross-sector response, including referring child protection issues to law enforcement, is essential to effectively address the problem.

However, funding for online child safety is inadequate and unevenly distributed. While there has been progress in legislation and regulations, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, and Australia drafting laws to regulate the digital space, there is still room for improvement. It is hoped that the engagement of the global community with these difficult issues will lead to stronger measures for online safety.

In conclusion, the challenge of child sexual abuse material online requires urgent action. International cooperation, involvement from various stakeholders, and sufficient funding are crucial steps in safeguarding children online. Prevention measures should also be a focus in addressing this issue. While progress has been made in legislation and regulations, continued efforts and collaboration are necessary to ensure the online safety of children.

Moderator – Rebecca McLaughlin

During a panel discussion at the GCF 2023, experts convened to address the critical issue of protecting children in the online world. The focus was on the shared responsibility of ensuring children are well-educated, protected, and responsible digital citizens. The panel acknowledged the numerous existing threats and emerging challenges, particularly concerning AI and deepfakes.

The panel recognized that simply removing devices or disconnecting children from the internet is not a feasible solution. Instead, experts emphasized the need to effectively inform and protect children. Esteemed guests, including Dr. Maimouna Al-Khalil, Secretary General of The Family Affairs Council, Saudi Arabia, outlined the council’s work, shared reports, and discussed initiatives.

Ian Dreenan, Executive Director of We Protect Global Alliance, presented their latest findings, specifically addressing the emerging threat of extortion. Dr. Yuwan Park, Founder of the Deque Institute, provided insights into their work on holistic approaches to online safety and referenced the safety index.

Regarding policy and regulation, Dr. Al-Khalil stressed the importance of reinforcing efforts to protect children globally, particularly in Saudi Arabia. She highlighted the need for next steps, milestones, and regulations that can effectively safeguard children from potential harm. Dr. Al-Khalil emphasized the profound repercussions for children if appropriate measures are not implemented.

Ian Dreenan acknowledged that although legislation and regulation are crucial, much responsibility lies with the children themselves. He underlined the importance of encouraging children to share information and express their fears, particularly if they are unaware of the real threats they may face online.

The panel also discussed the vital collaboration between the public and private sectors, including tech and software engineers, in creating safe and engaging online environments. They debated the level of communication and cooperation necessary to develop platforms that prioritize safety while still being entertaining and educational.

Dr. Park highlighted encouraging developments in both the public and private sectors, indicating progress towards a safer educational environment. He expressed hope in ongoing initiatives and the increasing dialogue and funding for development in this area.

Concerns were raised about funding, research, and data collection. The panel suggested allocating greater attention and resources to ensure the protection of children online, emphasizing that it should be a top priority for society as a whole.

Ian Dreenan shared his concerns frankly, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance and action. However, he also expressed hope for the future, acknowledging that child protection is a collective responsibility even for those without children.

Dr. Park echoed the importance of addressing societal taboos and encouraging open conversations, alongside increased investment in development. He acknowledged the progress made thus far but stressed the need to address tangible risks and maintain hope for the future.

Dr. Al-Khalil, as a parent and representative of the council, shared her concerns and hopes for the conversation surrounding child protection. She emphasized the need to move forward and increase awareness and education on this urgent matter.

Lastly, the moderator, Rebecca McLaughlin, recommended specific apps and protective tools to monitor children’s online activity and directed attendees to seek additional information from the respective agencies present.

Overall, the panel discussion highlighted the shared responsibility of protecting children online, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration, education, and regulation. It called for increased funding and attention from governments, the public, and the private sector to create a safer digital environment for children.

Dr. Yuhyun Park

The report titled “Persistent Cyber Pandemic” highlights a concerning trend in which 70% of children between the ages of 8 and 18 have consistently been exposed to at least one cyber risk for a period of seven years. This issue transcends regions and persists both before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report emphasizes that addressing cyber risk is not solely a children’s or family matter, but rather a persistent problem that requires the collective efforts of policy makers and industry leaders. This collective approach is crucial for effectively tackling cyber risks and ensuring the safety of children online. The report commends the approach taken by the Kingdom in addressing cyber risks and calls for its continued support.

Dr. Park, an expert in cybersecurity with 15 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of focusing on children’s issues in cybersecurity discussions. She argues that reducing the current cyber risk exposure of 70% among children should be a collective target, advocating for a decrease to at least 50%. To achieve this, she recommends reforms in the family, education, and technology sectors.

In the family and educational sectors, Dr. Park proposes implementing a digital skills framework and teaching responsible and ethical use of technology. She also highlights the need for ICT companies to prioritize safety by designing their products with user empowerment, age-appropriate measures, content moderation, and unified reporting systems in mind.

Furthermore, Dr. Park stresses the significance of policy and regulation in addressing cyber risks. She underlines the need for end-to-end safety measures, ranging from prevention to intervention and reporting. This underscores the importance of establishing comprehensive policies and regulations to safeguard children online.

Aside from the specific findings and recommendations, there are concerns regarding the impact of digital transformations, web developments, and online safety risks on children’s well-being and the security of their living environments. The dynamic nature of these advancements necessitates a mobilized effort to understand and address future risks, ensuring preparedness for potential challenges that may arise.

Overall, the report sheds light on the persistent and widespread nature of cyber risks faced by children, emphasizing the necessity of a collective approach involving policy makers, industry leaders, and the implementation of comprehensive reforms. It stresses the significance of prioritizing children’s issues in cybersecurity discussions and highlights the importance of policies, regulations, and safety measures to protect children online. Furthermore, it calls for ongoing efforts to anticipate and address future risks, aiming to create a safer digital landscape for children.

Dr. Maimoonah Alkhalil

Children in Saudi Arabia are actively participating in various online activities, with nearly 99% of them engaging in socializing, communication, and gaming. However, this increased involvement in the online world presents significant risks. Children are vulnerable to safety risks and exposure to inappropriate content, especially as boundaries between the virtual and physical worlds blur. Cyberbullying occurs both online and offline, further compounding the dangers associated with children’s online communication.

To address these concerns, Saudi Arabia has introduced the National Child Safety Online Framework. Developed with input from over 25 stakeholders, this framework will be overseen by the Family Affairs Council, responsible for its implementation, tracking, and reporting over a five-year period. The launch of this framework signifies a positive step in safeguarding children from the risks inherent in online activities.

The family also plays a crucial role in protecting children against online threats. Open conversations about these dangers are necessary, and parents need to be supportive and receptive when their child shares any online threats or discomfort they have experienced. Teachers also have a responsibility to raise awareness about online risks, helping students understand the various dangers that exist in the online world.

Efficient legislation and law enforcement are essential in tackling online threats. A well-defined system for reporting these threats, along with clear reporting channels and helplines, is necessary to support those affected. Additionally, a robust national infrastructure is required to effectively counter and address these challenges.

Funding is crucial for making progress in child online safety. It can be utilized to raise awareness through campaigns and develop tools that help children identify and manage online risks. Furthermore, a unified approach to measuring and assessing progress is key to ensuring effective intervention and evaluation.

Empowering children to handle potential online risks is crucial. Teaching assertiveness, resistance to peer pressure, and educating them on who to reach out to in case of danger are important aspects of enabling their safe navigation of the online world.

While concerns exist about the unknown and unexpected aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future, it is important to remain vigilant and prepared. Plans are being implemented to address current challenges associated with AI and to ensure that children are adequately equipped to adapt and regulate their online experiences.

The family’s role is emphasized in adapting to future changes. Ongoing conversations and discussions, both nationally and internationally, are necessary to keep up with evolving trends and ensure the protection of children online. Preparing children, both in terms of their personality and their ability to regulate and face obstacles, is essential for their development.

Parents have a significant responsibility in safeguarding their children online. Actively seeking information and knowledge about online safety is crucial in ensuring their children’s well-being. It is imperative to disseminate awareness through various channels, equipping parents with the necessary information on parental controls, detecting signs of distress in their children, and encouraging positive online experiences.

In conclusion, while children in Saudi Arabia are heavily involved in online activities, there are risks associated with their online communication. The introduction of the National Child Safety Online Framework is a positive step towards addressing these concerns. The involvement of families, educators, legislation, and law enforcement is essential in creating a safe online environment for children. Funding, awareness campaigns, measurement, and assessment are crucial elements for ensuring progress in child online safety. Empowering children with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle online risks is essential, while also being prepared for the future challenges that AI may bring.

Speakers