In today’s digital age, children and families are more connected than ever before. While the internet and technology offer many benefits, they also present significant risks and challenges, particularly when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of children online.
This is where technology companies and governments have a critical role to play in protecting children and families from online harm. Let’s take a closer look at what this entails.
Technology Companies
Technology companies have a responsibility to ensure that their products and services are designed with the safety and wellbeing of children in mind. This includes implementing age-appropriate settings and features, providing clear and concise privacy policies, and designing platforms that are resistant to harmful activities like cyberbullying, hate speech, and child exploitation.
Some ways technology companies can fulfil their responsibilities include:
- Implementing strict content moderation policies and systems that can detect and remove harmful content quickly.
- Providing tools and features that allow parents to control and monitor their children’s online activity, such as parental controls and activity trackers.
- Partner with organizations that specialize in child safety, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, to develop best practices and guidelines for online safety.
- Investing in research and development to continually improve the safety and security of their platforms and services.
Governments
Governments also have a responsibility to protect children and families from online harm. This includes establishing laws and regulations that promote online safety and punish those who engage in harmful behavior, as well as supporting initiatives that promote education and awareness about online safety.
The Sri Lankan government has taken several measures to protect children and families against online threats. Some of these measures include:
- Establishing laws and regulations: The Sri Lankan government has established laws and regulations to protect children and families against online threats. The Computer Crimes Act No. 24 of 2007 and the National Child Protection Authority Act No. 50 of 1998 are some examples of such laws.
- Awareness programs: The Sri Lankan government conducts awareness programs to educate children and families about online threats and how to protect themselves from them.
- Cybercrime units: The Sri Lankan police have established cybercrime units to investigate and prosecute online crimes against children and families. These units work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and the National Child Protection Authority.
- Hotlines: The Sri Lankan government has set up hotlines for reporting online child abuse and exploitation. The National Child Protection Authority operates a hotline (1929) for reporting child abuse, while the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) operates a hotline (011 269 1692) for reporting cyber incidents.
Ultimately, protecting children and families from online harm requires a collaborative effort between technology companies, governments, and families themselves. By working together, we can ensure that children have access to the benefits of technology without exposing them to unnecessary risks and harm. Parents can also play an active role in their children’s online safety by staying informed, setting boundaries and limits, and educating their children about online risks and how to protect themselves. With everyone working together, we can make the internet a safer and more positive place for all.
