The principles were developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, in collaboration with partners from civil society, academia, child helplines, industry and international organisations. Sonia Livingstone, on behalf of Global Kids Online, was pleased to support the development of this important initiative, contributing evidence and expertise to advance children’s rights in the digital environment.
The Principles recognise that digital environments are not only spaces where risks arise, but can also serve as vital entry points for children to seek help, access support and connect with protection services. Grounded in consultations with children and informed by multi-stakeholder expertise, they encourage governments, industry, child protection services and civil society to work together to build safer, more accessible and child-centred pathways to protection.
At the heart of the framework are five guiding principles – the 5Ps:
- Protect by prioritising children’s safety, inclusion and accessibility;
- Progress by expanding and diversifying digital pathways to support children;
- Partner through cross-sector collaboration to strengthen protection systems;
- Participate by meaningfully involving children and young people in shaping the services and technologies designed for them; and
- Push for sustained commitment, investment and innovation to ensure that digital platforms can effectively connect children with protection and support.
The PoP Principles offer a timely reminder that online safety is not only about reducing risks, but also about ensuring that children can access help when they need it most.
Watch the launch
See also: ITU launches new Child Online Protection guidelines
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