The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on Friday with the goal of assisting global stakeholders in putting an end to the growing scourge of online violence against children.
In its latest report, “What Works to Prevent Online Violence Against Children,” the World Health Organization focuses on strategies for preventing the online grooming of children, including the use of offensive sexual images and cyberaggression and harassment in the forms of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, hacking, and identity theft.
The report also lists tactics and recommended procedures for better child protection.
According to Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department of Social Determinants of Health, “Our children spend more and more time online, so it is our duty to make the online environment safe.”
The report emphasizes the significance of putting in place parenting and children’s education programs to stop online violence.
Studies have demonstrated their efficiency in lowering victimization rates, reducing abuse, and reducing risky behaviors like alcohol and drug abuse.
“This new document provides for the first time a clear direction for action by governments, donors, and other development partners, showing that we must address online and offline violence together if we are to be effective,” Krug said.
The report suggests implementing educational initiatives based in schools, encouraging youth interaction, and involving parents.
Additionally, it emphasizes how crucial it is to teach young people how to be assertive, empathic, problem-solve, control their emotions, and ask for help, among other skills.
WHO noted that educational programs that used a variety of delivery formats, such as videos, games, posters, infographics, and guided discussions, were more effective.
The report makes the case that thorough sex education programs could reduce sexual and physical aggression, especially when it comes to online dating, partner violence, and homophobic bullying.
Sex education is proven to be effective in nations of all different levels of development.
According to the report, there are a number of things that need to be improved.
It was noted that more online and offline violence prevention programs were required to address the issue because problems and solutions overlapped.
“As strangers are not the sole or even the predominant offenders online, less emphasis should be placed on stranger danger.”
“Instead, more attention should be paid to acquaintances and peers, as they are responsible for a majority of offenses.”
Given that looking for romance and intimacy online are major sources of vulnerability, the report spotlights the need to emphasize healthy relationship skills.
From fostering learning to developing personal and professional skills and expressing creativity, the internet offers a great deal to children and young people, the report stressed.
However, governments must find the right balance between developing digital opportunities and protecting users from harm.
The UN health agency is committed to contributing to a better understanding of all forms of violence against children and helping to guide the international response.
