Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Technical Community, Eastern European Group
Organizer 4: Intergovernmental Organization, Eastern European Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Technical Community, Eastern European Group
Organizer 4: Intergovernmental Organization, Eastern European Group
Speaker 1: Awo Aidam Amenyah, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Brian O Neill, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Pratishtha Arora, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Robbert Hoving, Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Brian O Neill, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Pratishtha Arora, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Robbert Hoving, Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: Why a Roundtable Format? Encourages Collaboration & Dialogue – unlike panel discussions or lectures, a roundtable promotes active participation, allowing experts, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange insights and solutions. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement – the nature of online child exploitation requires input from diverse sectors (government, NGOs, law enforcement, tech companies, educators), and a roundtable allows for cross-sector collaboration. Focus on Problem-Solving – the format facilitates brainstorming, debate, and the co-creation of policy recommendations and practical strategies. Balanced Structure: 20 minutes: context setting with key data and trends. 50 minutes: interactive discussion addressing policy challenges and solutions. 20 minutes: conclusion, action points, and commitments for follow-up. Deep but Focused Discussion – allows for a thorough exploration of issues while maintaining participant engagement. Practical Outcomes – provides enough time to formulate recommendations, next steps, and avenues for collaboration.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: Why a Roundtable Format? Encourages Collaboration & Dialogue – unlike panel discussions or lectures, a roundtable promotes active participation, allowing experts, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange insights and solutions. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement – the nature of online child exploitation requires input from diverse sectors (government, NGOs, law enforcement, tech companies, educators), and a roundtable allows for cross-sector collaboration. Focus on Problem-Solving – the format facilitates brainstorming, debate, and the co-creation of policy recommendations and practical strategies. Balanced Structure: 20 minutes: context setting with key data and trends. 50 minutes: interactive discussion addressing policy challenges and solutions. 20 minutes: conclusion, action points, and commitments for follow-up. Deep but Focused Discussion – allows for a thorough exploration of issues while maintaining participant engagement. Practical Outcomes – provides enough time to formulate recommendations, next steps, and avenues for collaboration.
Policy Question(s)
How can national and international policies be strengthened to address the growing issue of self-generated child sexual abuse material and online coercion and other emerging trends that put children at risk of abuse?
What preventative measures, including education and digital safeguards, should be implemented among children and young people to effectively empower them to recognize and respond to online sexual exploitation, and ensuring age appropriate education?
How can multi-stakeholder collaboration—between governments, tech companies, and child protection organizations—be enhanced to create a safer digital environment for children?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants in this workshop will gain:
In-Depth Understanding of Online Risks – Insights into emerging threats, including self-generated content by young children, sextortion trends, and the accessibility of child abuse material.
Knowledge of Preventative Strategies – Practical approaches to integrating digital literacy education, online safety, and critical thinking into early learning environments.
Tools for Parental & Educator Support – Resources and techniques to guide children in developing healthy digital habits and recognizing online coercion.
Awareness of Technological Safeguards – An overview of platform-based child protection features and advocacy for safer online environments.
Collaboration & Policy Development – Opportunities to engage with key stakeholders (governments, tech companies, child protection organizations) to strengthen online safety measures.
Actionable Steps for Implementation – Guidance on launching awareness campaigns, reporting mechanisms, and strategies to mitigate online exploitation.
SDGs
Description:
Recent data from the Dutch Hotline (https://www.meldpunt-kinderporno.nl/) indicate that one in three images received is self-generated by children, often resulting from coercion within online environments. This concerning trend is also evident across INHOPE Hotlines (https://www.inhope.org/EN), where such material is steadily increasing. Additionally, statistics from Helpwanted (https://www.helpwanted.nl/) reveal that half of the individuals seeking assistance report cases of sextortion. This aligns with findings from the Insafe network of helplines, further highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. Moreover, data from Stop It Now (https://stopitnow.nl/) indicate that half of the callers are men under the age of 26 who, as a result of escalating behaviors such as pornography addiction, seek out child abuse material, which is alarmingly accessible online with just a few clicks. Supporting this, a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Edinburgh's Childlight Global Child Safety Institute indicates that one in eight young people worldwide has been a victim of online sexual violence originates from . Given the scale of these threats, it is evident that there is a critical gap in preventative efforts, particularly in the realm of education and awareness. The network of European Safer Internet Centers (https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/sic) has consistently reported increasing incidents of online harm, highlighting the necessity for proactive strategies. To counteract these risks, we must prioritize digital literacy education from an early age, equipping children with the skills to recognize and respond to online threats. Preventative measures should include: Comprehensive Digital Education: integrating online safety and critical thinking into school curricula to empower children to navigate digital spaces safely. Parental and Educator Engagement: providing training and resources for parents and educators to support children in developing healthy online behaviors. Technological Safeguards: advocating for stronger child protection features in online platforms, including age-appropriate design and enhanced moderation. Awareness Campaigns Collaboration with Stakeholders
Recent data from the Dutch Hotline (https://www.meldpunt-kinderporno.nl/) indicate that one in three images received is self-generated by children, often resulting from coercion within online environments. This concerning trend is also evident across INHOPE Hotlines (https://www.inhope.org/EN), where such material is steadily increasing. Additionally, statistics from Helpwanted (https://www.helpwanted.nl/) reveal that half of the individuals seeking assistance report cases of sextortion. This aligns with findings from the Insafe network of helplines, further highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. Moreover, data from Stop It Now (https://stopitnow.nl/) indicate that half of the callers are men under the age of 26 who, as a result of escalating behaviors such as pornography addiction, seek out child abuse material, which is alarmingly accessible online with just a few clicks. Supporting this, a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Edinburgh's Childlight Global Child Safety Institute indicates that one in eight young people worldwide has been a victim of online sexual violence originates from . Given the scale of these threats, it is evident that there is a critical gap in preventative efforts, particularly in the realm of education and awareness. The network of European Safer Internet Centers (https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/sic) has consistently reported increasing incidents of online harm, highlighting the necessity for proactive strategies. To counteract these risks, we must prioritize digital literacy education from an early age, equipping children with the skills to recognize and respond to online threats. Preventative measures should include: Comprehensive Digital Education: integrating online safety and critical thinking into school curricula to empower children to navigate digital spaces safely. Parental and Educator Engagement: providing training and resources for parents and educators to support children in developing healthy online behaviors. Technological Safeguards: advocating for stronger child protection features in online platforms, including age-appropriate design and enhanced moderation. Awareness Campaigns Collaboration with Stakeholders
Expected Outcomes
Expected Outcomes:
Increased Awareness and Understanding –understanding of the trends in online child sexual exploitation, including self-generated content, sextortion, emerging trends and the role of digital platforms.
Enhanced Preventative Strategies – practical insights into integrating digital literacy, parental guidance, and platform safeguards into national and organizational frameworks.
Strengthened Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration – improved coordination between governments, Safer Internet Centers, tech companies, law enforcement, and child protection agencies to develop effective policies and interventions.
Policy Brief or Summary Report – a document outlining key takeaways, recommendations, and next steps for stakeholders.
Follow-up Events or Working Groups – possible roundtables, webinars, or stakeholder meetings to continue discussions and implement identified actions.
Contributions to Existing Initiatives – insights and recommendations feeding into broader efforts like the Better Internet for Kids initiative (https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en), INHOPE network strategies, or national child protection frameworks.
Hybrid Format: Dedicated Hybrid Moderator: an onsite and an online moderator to facilitate discussions, relay questions, and ensure smooth transitions between in-person and virtual participation.
Live Chat & Q&A Integration: utilize the IGF’s virtual platform tools for real-time Q&A
Rotating Speaker Model: alternate between online and onsite speakers.
Breakout Groups & Interactive Discussions:
Designing the Session for an Optimal Hybrid Experience
Dual-Screen Setup & Clear Audio: ensure onsite participants can see and hear online attendees clearly through dedicated screens and microphones, and vice versa.
Pre-Session Engagement: share key discussion points, speaker bios, and background materials beforehand to give all participants equal footing before the session starts.
Interactive Whiteboards: use virtual whiteboards (e.g., Miro, Jamboard) to capture thoughts and contributions from both onsite and remote attendees in real time.
Slido or Mentimeter
Hashtag & Social Media
IGF Virtual Tools – for hybrid small-group discussions.