Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has prompted widespread school closures and physical distancing measures, making online platforms and communities essential to maintain a sense of normalcy. Now more than ever, children and their families are turning to digital solutions to support children’s learning, socialisation and play.

While digital solutions provide significant opportunities for sustaining and promoting children’s rights, these same tools may also increase children’s exposure to online risks.

UNICEF together with its partners, Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), WePROTECT Global Alliance, World Health Organization (WHO), and World Childhood Foundation USA (Childhood USA), have released a new technical note aimed at urging governments, ICT industries, educators and parents to be alert, take urgent measures to mitigate potential risks, and ensure children’s online experiences are safe and positive during COVID-19.

Click here for the technical note which sets out some of the key priorities and recommendations on how to mitigate risks and promote positive online experiences for children.

Read the full article here.