Session
Organizer 1: Radhika Gupta, Podar International School
Organizer 2: Kadu Dr Bhavana T., MIT ADT University Pune Maharashtra
Speaker 1: Jannatul Ferdous, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Nahza Ibrahim, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Monojit Das, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Gabriel Karsan, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 5: Ihita Gangavarapu, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 6: Samaila Atsen Bako, African Group
Awo Aidam Amenyah
Kadu Dr Bhavana T., Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Kadu Dr Bhavana T., Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Classroom
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The format is best suited for following reasons: - Interactive Environment: The classroom layout provides a structured yet flexible environment for interaction encouraging a closer connection between presenters and attendees, facilitating open dialogue, Q&A sessions, and group discussions. This setup is ideal for exploring complex topics like children's rights and digital inclusion. - Focused Discussion: The 90-minute duration allows for in-depth exploration of the topic without overwhelming participants, sufficient for presentations, case studies, panel discussions, and participant engagement, ensuring a comprehensive yet focused session. - Collaborative Learning: Participants can engage with each other, share experiences, and brainstorm solutions. This collaborative atmosphere is essential for discussing policy questions and generating practical recommendations. - Accommodates Multiple Speakers: The classroom setup allows for a panel of experts or a mix of presentations and discussions, giving flexibility in structuring the session. This adaptability helps maintain participant interest and keeps the content dynamic and engaging.
1.How can policymakers balance the need for child safety in digital spaces with children's rights to privacy and freedom of expression? 2.What role can digital literacy play in fostering inclusion for children from diverse backgrounds, and how can stakeholders ensure equitable access to digital resources? 3.What mechanisms can be implemented to ensure that online platforms and technology companies are accountable for protecting children's rights and promoting a safe digital environment?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants attending the session will gain valuable insights into the critical issues affecting children in digital spaces and the innovative approaches to addressing them. - In-depth Understanding: A comprehensive understanding of the key challenges children face in the digital realm, including online safety risks, privacy concerns, and cyberbullying. - Best Practices: Concrete examples of successful programs and policies that promote digital literacy, inclusion, and human rights for children. - Actionable Strategies: Practical tools and strategies for creating safer online environments for children, as well as fostering inclusivity in the digital age. - Collaborative Approaches: Knowledge on how various stakeholders—governments, NGOs, educators, and tech companies—can work together to protect children's rights in digital spaces. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with a range of new insights and actionable steps to promote a safer, more inclusive, and respectful digital environment for children.
Description:
As digital technology becomes an integral part of children's daily lives, ensuring their rights and fostering inclusion in the digital age is more critical than ever. This workshop explores best practices and innovative approaches to safeguarding children’s digital rights, promoting online safety, and encouraging inclusive digital participation among young people. The proposed session will focus on the following key topics: 1. Online Safety for Children: We will examine practical strategies to create safe online environments for children and address common risks like cyberbullying, online predators, and harmful content. 2. Digital Literacy and Inclusion: We will discuss how digital literacy initiatives can empower children, allowing them to fully participate in the digital world while promoting inclusivity across different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. 3. Human Rights in the Digital Space: Our panel will explore how children's rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information, can be protected in the digital realm. We will also consider the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on children's rights. Our approach is grounded in showcasing concrete impacts and results from programs and policies that have successfully promoted children's rights and inclusion in the digital space. Through case studies and real-world examples, we will highlight how stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and technology companies, can collaborate to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for children. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions related to children's digital rights and be equipped with practical tools and best practices to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful digital space for the next generation.
The expected outcomes of our session are as follows: - Enhanced Understanding: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding children's rights in the digital age, including safety, privacy, and digital literacy. - Policy Recommendations: The session will generate practical policy recommendations for stakeholders, including governments, educators, NGOs, and technology companies, to promote children's safety and inclusion in digital spaces. - Collaborative Networks: The session aims to create a network of stakeholders committed to advocating for children's rights in the digital age. This network will serve as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering ongoing collaboration. - Follow-Up Activities: We expect the insights gained from the session to inspire further discussions, workshops, and collaborations focused on promoting children's digital safety and inclusion. This may lead to the publication of a white paper summarizing the key policy recommendations from the session.
Hybrid Format: To ensure a seamless hybrid session at the 2024 IGF, we will implement a comprehensive approach that facilitates interaction between onsite and online participants, ensuring an engaging experience for all. 1. Facilitating Interaction: Our moderator will be onsite in Riyadh to oversee the session's dynamics and manage interaction between onsite and online participants. We will use Zoom to connect both audiences, with dedicated support to ensure smooth transitions between speakers and Q&A segments. 2. Designing for Hybrid Participation: We will integrate interactive elements like live polls, real-time chat, and Q&A sessions to engage both onsite and online participants. 3. Complementary Tools: To increase engagement, we will use online collaboration tools like Mentimeter for live polling and Slido for Q&A management. These platforms will allow participants to submit questions and participate in polls, fostering a sense of inclusion for online attendees.
Report
Summary Report: Workshop WS#53 – Promoting Children's Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age
Organizers: Radhika Gupta and Dr. Bhavana Tushar Kadu
Date: December 2024
Location: Internet Governance Forum Secretariat 2024, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Session Overview:
The workshop titled "Promoting Children's Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age" was convened to address the critical intersection of children's rights and digital inclusion. As digital tools become increasingly integral to education and daily life, ensuring the safety, privacy, and active participation of children in digital spaces has become paramount. The session aimed to explore best practices, innovative approaches, and collaborative strategies to safeguard children's digital rights and promote inclusive digital participation.
Moderator:
The session was adeptly moderated by Awo A., whose facilitation ensured a dynamic and engaging discussion. Awo A. skilfully navigated the diverse perspectives of the panelists, fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue and active participation.
Panelists and Their Contributions:
Key Contributions from the Workshop on Promoting Children’s Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age
- Digital Literacy for Child ProtectionIn one country, the importance of tailored digital literacy programs was emphasized as a critical tool to safeguard children. These programs aim to teach digital skills while fostering critical thinking, enabling children to navigate online spaces safely. Education was highlighted as a cornerstone for empowering children to recognize and mitigate online risks independently.
- Inclusive Digital Policies in Remote Regions
Efforts to bridge the digital divide were discussed, particularly in geographically dispersed nations. Inclusive digital policies are being implemented to address the unique challenges faced by children in remote areas. These initiatives aim to ensure equitable access to digital resources, promoting participation and inclusion for all children, regardless of location. - Community-Driven Approaches to Online Safety
One region shared its success with community-based strategies to enhance child online safety. Local communities play a pivotal role in monitoring and guiding children's online activities, fostering a shared responsibility for their protection. The approach demonstrates the potential of grassroots efforts to address online safety challenges effectively. - Legislative Measures for Digital Rights
A country presented its legislative advancements, including comprehensive bills designed to protect children's digital rights. These measures aim to uphold children's privacy and ensure that their rights are protected in the digital realm. Efforts also include initiatives to promote awareness among stakeholders, ensuring the practical implementation of such policies. - Legal Frameworks and Public Awareness Campaigns
Robust legal frameworks and public awareness initiatives were highlighted as essential components in safeguarding children from online exploitation and abuse. The focus was on building protective environments through clear legislation and community engagement to address the challenges of children’s digital safety effectively.
The session concluded with several key recommendations:
- Global Collaboration: Prioritize global collaborations to develop localized digital safety resources, ensuring they are culturally and contextually relevant.
- Youth Participation: Encourage more youth participation in policy discussions to ensure that children's perspectives are integral to decision-making processes.
- Accountability Mechanisms: Implement a global accountability mechanism to assess and guide countries' efforts in child online protection, ensuring consistent standards and practices worldwide.
- Inclusive Policy Development: Develop inclusive digital policies that consider the unique challenges faced by children, especially in marginalized communities, to ensure equitable access and protection.
- Community Engagement: Foster community-based approaches to child online safety, recognizing the role of local communities in monitoring and guiding children's online activities.
Conclusion:
The workshop "Promoting Children's Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age" provided a comprehensive platform for discussing the multifaceted challenges and solutions related to children's rights in the digital era. The diverse perspectives of the panelists, representing various countries, enriched the discussion and underscored the global nature of the issue. The session highlighted the necessity for collaborative efforts among governments, civil society, and the private sector to create a safe and inclusive digital environment for children worldwide.
The insights and recommendations from this session are intended to inform future policy development and initiatives aimed at safeguarding children's rights and promoting their inclusion in the digital age.