Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 4: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 4: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Ananda Gautam, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Gregorio Lima Antonia Nirvana, Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Wamucii Muriithi Muriithi, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Gregorio Lima Antonia Nirvana, Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Wamucii Muriithi Muriithi, Civil Society, African Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format encourages open dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for addressing online risks faced by marginalized children. The 60-minute duration allows for in-depth discussions, interactive Q&A, and the development of concrete action points.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format encourages open dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for addressing online risks faced by marginalized children. The 60-minute duration allows for in-depth discussions, interactive Q&A, and the development of concrete action points.
Policy Question(s)
1. How can governments and tech companies collaborate to create safer online environments for girls and children in marginalized communities?
2. What role can digital literacy programs play in empowering children to protect themselves from online harassment and exploitation?
3. How can intersectional approaches (gender, disability, socioeconomic status) be integrated into policies to ensure no child is left behind in the digital space?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will walk away with:
- Actionable insights into the unique digital risks faced by girls and children in marginalized communities.
- Practical tools to implement in their own contexts, such as policy recommendations, digital literacy frameworks, and community engagement strategies.
- Inspiring examples of successful initiatives, like Kenya’s Tuseme program, which empowers girls to report online abuse, or Brazil’s SaferNet, which combats cyberbullying through education and advocacy.
- Networking opportunities with global stakeholders committed to child safety and digital rights.
This session is a must-attend for anyone working at the intersection of digital inclusion, child protection, and gender equality.
Description:
In today’s digital age, girls and children in marginalized communities face unprecedented risks online. Globally, 1 in 3 internet users is a child, yet fewer than 40% of countries have comprehensive policies to protect children online. Girls, in particular, are disproportionately affected: studies show that a significant majority of girls and young women have experienced online harassment, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and privacy violations. For children with disabilities or those in low-income regions, these risks are even more severe due to limited access to protective measures and digital literacy. This session will bring together diverse stakeholders—governments, tech companies, NGOs, and youth advocates—to tackle these challenges head-on. We’ll explore innovative solutions, such as AI-driven safety tools, community-led digital literacy programs, and inclusive policy frameworks, to create a safer digital environment for all children. By focusing on intersectional approaches (gender, disability, and socioeconomic status), this session aims to ensure that no child is left behind in the digital revolution
In today’s digital age, girls and children in marginalized communities face unprecedented risks online. Globally, 1 in 3 internet users is a child, yet fewer than 40% of countries have comprehensive policies to protect children online. Girls, in particular, are disproportionately affected: studies show that a significant majority of girls and young women have experienced online harassment, including cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and privacy violations. For children with disabilities or those in low-income regions, these risks are even more severe due to limited access to protective measures and digital literacy. This session will bring together diverse stakeholders—governments, tech companies, NGOs, and youth advocates—to tackle these challenges head-on. We’ll explore innovative solutions, such as AI-driven safety tools, community-led digital literacy programs, and inclusive policy frameworks, to create a safer digital environment for all children. By focusing on intersectional approaches (gender, disability, and socioeconomic status), this session aims to ensure that no child is left behind in the digital revolution
Expected Outcomes
1. A set of actionable recommendations for policymakers, tech companies, and civil society to enhance online safety for marginalized children.
2. A global call to action to prioritize digital rights for girls and children in marginalized communities, aligned with the IGF’s mission of fostering an inclusive and equitable digital future.
3. A collaborative network of stakeholders committed to implementing the session’s outcomes, with follow-up events and initiatives planned for 2026.
Hybrid Format: To ensure a rich, inclusive experience for both onsite and online participants, we will:
- Use live polling tools (e.g., Slido) to gather real-time input from all attendees.
- Assign an online moderator to manage virtual participation, ensuring remote attendees can ask questions and contribute to discussions.
- Provide live captioning and sign language interpretation to make the session accessible for participants with disabilities.
- Share a post-session resource pack with key takeaways, tools, and follow-up actions for all participants.