In a thought-provoking panel discussion held at the 2024 USAID Protecting Children and Youth from Digital Harm Symposium, experts and stakeholders shed light on key challenges and initiatives in enhancing online safety for children and youth in the Asia Pacific region. The panel, organized and moderated by Phyo Thiri Lwin of the NetMission Team, featured prominent figures such as Edmon Chung from DotKids Foundation, Amrita Choudhury representing APRALO at ICANN, Kenneth Leung of NetMission’s Asia Pacific Policy Observatory, and Amy Crocker, Head of Child Protection and Technology at ECPAT International.
Edmon Chung, the Director Representative of DotKids Foundation, provided insights into the foundation’s work. He emphasized the foundation’s commitment to building a safer online environment for children. DotKids’ domain(.KiDs), operates on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, focusing on suspending and fighting against age-inappropriate content. Chung highlighted the importance of a responsive platform mechanism over a futile pursuit of 100% prevention. He stressed the need for multi-stakeholder deliberation in setting the agenda and goals, advocating for universal collaboration in the pursuit of child protection.
Amrita Choudhury, APRALO Chair at ICANN, shared the organization’s efforts in fostering safe online spaces through capacity building, safe surfing, and media literacy. She also shared the significance of involving children, youth, and young adults in discussions about their protection, ensuring their rights are respected and protected. She mentioned APRALO’s approach to bridge with the youth, allowing the younger generation to actively participate in public discourse and make their voices heard.
Kenneth Leung, NetMission APPO Advisor, delved into the specific challenges faced by Australia, Nepal, and Myanmar based on APPO studies. He highlighted the diverse frameworks in the Asia Pacific region and the need for a unified approach. He called for stakeholder collaboration to define essential principles for tackling online safety issues, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals and communities to protect themselves.
Amy Crocker, Head of Child Protection and Technology at ECPAT International, emphasized the need for international organizations to understand the threats and risks faced by children and young people online. She stressed the importance of meaningful participation and engagement of youth in designing the online world. She also mentioned that international organizations play a role in convening discussions and creating safe spaces to address challenges collectively. She acknowledged the complexity of harmonizing standards across diverse countries but emphasized the necessity of regional plans and legal obligations to ensure the protection of children and young people.
The panelists collectively highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, the involvement of youth in decision-making processes, and the need for international organizations to take a leading role in shaping policies. They emphasized the challenges posed by fragmented regional frameworks and the necessity for a unified approach.
The insights provided by these experts serve as a valuable guide for policymakers, advocates, and organizations working towards a safer digital future for children and youth in the Asia Pacific region. As a conclusion, it became evident that a comprehensive and collaborative effort is essential to address the evolving landscape of online safety and protect the well-being of the younger generation.
Find more information about USAID the 2024 Protecting Children and Youth from Digital Harm Virtual Symposium.
Written by Phyo Thiri Lwin