The Asia Pacific Policy Observatory (APPO) of NetMission.Asia proudly contributes to the OHCHR’s call for input on “Solutions to Promote Digital Education for Young People & Their Protection from Online Threats”.
Building on our APPO April 2023 and December 2023 reports, focusing on the online safety policies of Australia, Nepal, and Myanmar, we have analyzed the variable digital safety landscape of multiple countries in the APAC region and the challenges that lie ahead. From ensuring open Internet access in low digital safety regions like Myanmar to fostering digital citizenship in high digital safety areas such as Australia, we concluded that a one-size-fits-all solution is not feasible due to varying eSafety levels across these countries. This emphasizes the need for a tailored strategy so we came up with an approach of “Accessibility, Awareness & Accountability”. This outlook holds significance in enhancing digital education and the online safety of young people in the region.
(a) Accessibility in Low eSafety Regions (Myanmar): For countries like Myanmar, where eSafety is low, the priority should be ensuring open and unrestricted Internet access and promoting digital education. This involves integrating strategies from our reports, such as the use of VPNs to circumvent Internet restrictions and advocating for Internet freedom. The aim is to provide an environment where information is freely accessible and digital literacy can flourish.
(b) Awareness in Mid-Level eSafety Regions (Nepal): In countries like Nepal, with a moderate level of eSafety, the focus should shift towards narrowing the digital divide and enhancing eSafety awareness. This includes embedding practical skills and Internet usage practices into school curriculums. Our reports suggest specific strategies for combating issues like cyberbullying, providing a foundation for developing these practical skills.
(c) Accountability in High eSafety Regions (Australia): For countries with a high level of eSafety, such as Australia, the emphasis should be on fostering digital citizenship and wellbeing, along with other more abstract concepts. In this context, our reports provide a basis for developing eSafety recommendations and advice, including measures to counter child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The goal here is to cultivate a responsible and ethically aware digital community.
This three-pronged approach of “accessibility, awareness, and accountability” caters to the specific needs and eSafety levels of different countries, providing a nuanced and effective strategy for enhancing digital safety and education in the Asia-Pacific region.
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