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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Cyber Security Agency and UNICEF have signed the first agreement to work together on child protection in cyberspace, according to a statement.
The agreement, signed at the Global Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh, recognizes that as strategic partners to enable children to take advantage of all opportunities in cyberspace, while reducing and responding to risks and harms, We acknowledge both parties.
“UNICEF is pleased to partner with the National Cybersecurity Agency,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Program Group Director.
“Our shared purpose to ensure that all children are protected from the risks associated with digital technology will help us jointly design and jointly implement impactful contributions to a safer internet for children. It helps.”
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, a UN Children’s Fund child protection expert said the Saudi Family Affairs Council is partnering with UNICEF’s Gulf Regional Office to develop a nationwide online child safety framework. Told.
Afrooz Kaviani Johnson added that the purpose of the framework is to develop a coherent national strategy to ensure that those who play a key role in keeping children safe online do their part. I was.
In the final stages of consultation and finalization, the Framework constitutes a multi-sectoral, multi-year plan informed by consultation with children, youth, various ministries and various policy makers.
“Hopefully soon we will see validation and high-level commitment for that framework so we can start implementing it soon,” she added.
Johnson said the foundation is currently in discussions with the Saudi National Cyber Security Agency about a global initiative to improve children’s safety online.
“This means that we are really taking advantage of the good practices already underway within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and looking at how we can support other governments and other role players to ensure the safety of our children. I have.”
UN experts have declared that it is important to think about children as we rethink the global cyber order.
“One in three internet users in the world is a child. In fact, it is estimated that about 80% of children in the Arctic have a digital footprint before the age of two,” she said. I was.
On the threats children may face, she said online child sexual abuse and exploitation is one of the biggest risks.
“A UNICEF survey in parts of Asia and Africa found that up to 20% of children have experienced online child sexual abuse in the past year.
Parents, caregivers, and community members are a critical first line in protecting children, experts said.
Therefore, it is important for parents to be aware of what their children are doing online and to communicate openly with them.
“But if we want to empower kids to make the most of their space, it’s important that we be there and let them navigate that space,” she said. I got
This happens by getting involved in the process.
Parents need to help their children navigate the digital world in the same way they teach them how to navigate the rest of the physical world, she explained.
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