Relevance to Internet Governance: Protecting children against sexual exploitation online is an undeniably important issue, which can only be solved by all stakeholders joining forces. States are responsible for the protection of children’s fundamental rights according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and they have to implement the appropriate legal framework. Civil society should raise awareness for risks and challenges regarding sexual exploitation. Additionally, it is important to enable parents, teachers and children to develop the necessary media literacy skills. The ICT industry plays a key role when it comes to providing a safe digital environment. At the same time, all relevant stakeholders are responsible to ensure and balance children’s rights to participation and protection online in accordance with the UNCRC. The Council of Europe’s Guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment further set out these rights and give them a concrete form.
Relevance to Theme: Current studies show that young people all over the world engage in online activities more than ever, playing games, watching videos, chatting with friends and creating own content on social media. Studies also show that many children have already been confronted with sexualized content or have felt uncomfortable through online grooming or sexual harassment, particularly when they share private images or videos. In order to experience the internet free of troubles, children need to be able to trust in platforms and online communities to shelter them from all forms of sexual exploitation. Especially in times of a global pandemic like COVID-19, the relevance of this issue becomes even more visible. With young people staying at home most of the time, they move their relationships online and may be inclined to take more risks when sharing sexual content with their peers or even with strangers. Therefore, risks are even higher for young people to become victims of sexual exploitation. All stakeholders are aware of the challenges that go along with growing up in a digital environment and of their responsibility towards children. Although a lot has been done to improve the situation, there still are gaps and the need for a holistic approach towards tackling child sexual exploitation online in all its facets.