IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #239 Preventing Grooming of Children in the Digital Age

    Internet Society - Accessibility Standing Group
    Onsite Moderator - Saba Tiku Beyene, YCIG, Civil Society, Africa Online Moderador - Julia Koole, Institute for Research on Internet and Society, Civil Society, LAC Rapporteur - Doreen Nandutu Nabuzale, eLAAB Limited, Technical Community, Africa
    Speakers
    Speaker 1 Elvis Uwimana, Tecnical Community, Europe Speaker 2 Dina Santana Santos, Civil Society, LAC
    Onsite Moderator
    Diná Santana Santos
    Rapporteur
    Julia Koole
    SDGs
    3. Good Health and Well-Being
    10. Reduced Inequalities
    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    17. Partnerships for the Goals


    Targets: This panel session aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing the urgent need to protect children from online grooming. It directly supports Goal 16.2 by working to end child abuse and exploitation, ensuring safer digital environments. Given that online grooming disproportionately affects girls, the session also contributes to Goal 5.2, which seeks to eliminate violence and exploitation against women and girls. Furthermore, it aligns with Goal 4.7 by promoting digital literacy and education on online safety, equipping children with the necessary skills to navigate digital spaces responsibly. Since grooming is often linked to human trafficking and exploitation, this initiative also supports Goal 8.7, reinforcing efforts to combat modern slavery. Lastly, by protecting vulnerable children, particularly those from marginalized communities, the session advances Goal 10.3, which aims to reduce inequalities and ensure equal opportunities. Through these connections, this panel highlights the importance of safeguarding children in the digital age and fostering global collaboration to prevent online exploitation.
    Format
    Opening Remarks (5 minutes) – The moderator introduces the topic, its relevance to child protection in the digital age, and its connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Panelist Insights (10 minutes total, 3-4 minutes per speaker) – Each panelist shares key insights on online grooming prevention, including legal frameworks, digital safety strategies, and educational initiatives.Moderated Discussion (10 minutes) – The moderator facilitates a focused conversation among panelists, addressing key challenges, policy approaches, and innovative solutions.Audience Q&A (3 minutes) – Attendees have the opportunity to ask brief questions to panelists.Closing Remarks (2 minutes) – The moderator summarizes key takeaways and highlights actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description
    The session "Preventing Grooming of Children in the Digital Age" will bring together experts in child protection, digital governance, law enforcement, and education to discuss the urgent need for safeguarding children in online spaces. As digital connectivity increases, so do the risks of exploitation, making it essential to develop proactive strategies for prevention. This event will explore how policies, education, and technology can work together to combat online grooming while emphasizing the role of international cooperation and legal frameworks. By aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals, the discussion will highlight how protecting children in digital environments contributes to broader efforts in human rights, gender equality, and the fight against exploitation and trafficking. Through this session, participants will gain insights into best practices, policy recommendations, and collaborative solutions to create a safer digital world for children.

    Real-time feedback tools, such as Mentimeter, will be employed to gather and document key discussions and ideas from the panelists' presentations. Additionally, a QR code or link will be shared during the session, inviting participants to join a Telegram group aimed at building a collaborative community for post-session engagement.