Child Online Protection Guidelines for Digital Industry Launched to Ensure Safety of Children Online
AKP Phnom Penh, July 07, 2023 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia, notably the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MPTC), supported by the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children and UNICEF Cambodia, on Thursday launched the Guidelines on Child Online Protection for the Digital Technology Industry to ensure a safe and positive online experience for all children.

“Children are spending more time online than ever before. Growing up online offers limitless opportunities. But with this come serious risks,” said UNICEF Cambodia Representative, Dr. Will Parks. “Cyberbullying and other forms of peer-to-peer violence can affect young people each time they log in to social media or instant messaging platforms. Most alarming is the threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse.”

According to UNICEF Cambodia’s press release, recent findings from UNICEF's global “Cambodia Disrupting Harm” report confirmed this trend with more than one in ten Cambodian children aged 12 to 17 years experiencing some form of online sexual exploitation or abuse.

“Such guidelines reaffirm the commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia and partners to take up a clear stance on the protection of children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse in Cambodia,” said H.E. Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications.

The Child Online Protection Guidelines for the Digital Technology Industry aim to encourage industries within the sector to prevent and respond to current and emerging harms posed by the use of technology in a timely manner. Industry members can do so through: Implementing internal child safeguarding policy and prevention and response to child sexual abuse material; Establishing prevention measures against child sexual exploitation and abuse such as clear guidance and rules for the protection of children online; Providing protection measures, notably, ways to block both people and inappropriate or sensitive content, to make reports and to receive assistance from relevant authorities and/or services; Ensuring that data and information relating to children using the internet are kept confidential and private.

These guidelines provide unparalleled opportunities for digital technology industry members including social media, Internet Service Providers, Mobile Operators, data hosting companies, content creators and producers, and software and App developers to enhance the online safety of every child and young person in accordance with children’s rights and the highest ethical standards.

The launch has gathered over 150 participants from government agencies, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and relevant industry players.

“I am glad to note that these guidelines are informed by the laws and regulations governing most international social media companies. However, Child Online Protection is a complex challenge. It requires commitment, effective coordination, and dedicated collaboration with the private sector in order to provide user-centric, safe, and friendly services for our children and adolescents,” stated Dr. Will Parks.

The development of these guidelines was also conducted in close cooperation with additional key ministries, including: the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY); Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS); Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA); Ministry of Justice (MoJ); Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior (including the National Police and Cyber Crime Unit).

By Phal Sophanith
AKP

July 13, 2023
‘Let’s Chat’ protects kids from abuse
To lessen the risk that online sexual predators pose to Cambodian teenagers, UNICEF Cambodia hopes to lessen the risk with its digital campaign dubbed “Let’s Chat”.

The three-month campaign started on June 1.

According to a 2022 report titled Disrupting Harm in Cambodia by the Cambodia National Council for Children, and partners including UNICEF Cambodia, 11% of youths aged 12-17 who use the Internet experienced online sexual exploitation and abuse.

Cases include blackmailing children into engaging in sexual activities and non-consensual sharing of sexual images.

Among other findings of concern, the report also revealed that 16% of children were subjected to personal sexual comments that made them feel embarrassed, of whom 31% said it occurred on social media.

To help keep children safe online, the report recommended improving awareness of online child sexual exploitation and abuse across the country – and that is one of the goals of this online social media campaign “Let’s Chat”.

“In a context where reporting online sexual abuse or exploitation may feel taboo or too shameful, it is crucial that we create accessible, informative, and compassionate approaches to the topic if we hope to create effective change and lower the incidents of risk for our adolescents and young people.

“This social media campaign meets youths where they already are – online – and uses storytelling techniques and technology to empower and protect them from harm,” said UNICEF Cambodia representative, Will Parks.

Perpetrators of one form of online sexual exploitation and abuse, called “grooming,” often on social media and other messaging, chat, or video-centric apps. They start by slowly building a relationship with a young person to find out about their needs and vulnerabilities, sometimes even posing as young people themselves.

Once they’ve developed trust, the abuse forms slowly through often secretive manipulation and demands and can escalate into physical harm.

“Let’s Chat” aims to help adolescents become aware of these predatorial practices, identify and understand what to do if they or their friends are targeted by a groomer, and make safe choices that reduce the risk for themselves and, hopefully, other adolescents and children, too.

The social media-based campaign revolves around a group of four good friends navigating life, crushes, and online interactions. Their story unfolds across a series of short, episodic videos in a “chat” style with each video focusing on a hypothetical scenario. Corresponding with the videos are dynamic posts that feature further interactive information, resources, and action steps including contact information for the free child protection helpline (+855 92 311 511).
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