Seminar presents ideas to protect children online

Professionals at home and abroad said the government, internet companies and other stakeholders should seek workable solutions especially those in the legal field to protect children from risks including violation of privacy, online sexual abuse and exploitation and cyber violence.

They made the remarks on Monday at a webinar titled "Protecting Children in the Digital Age: Challenges and Experiences of Different Countries", which was a parallel event to the 49th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Tong Lihua, director of the Beijing Children's Legal Aid and Research Center and president of the Child Law International Alliance, said China has formed its own approach to protection for minors on the internet.

The center and the alliance jointly held the webinar.

"The country has been improving legislation to clearly define the specific responsibilities the government, enterprises and related parties should take.

"The government also highlights the main responsibility of internet enterprises to provide healthy products and services for children," he said.

Dora Giusti, chief of the Child Protection of UNICEF Office for China, said: "One urgent issue is that the data and studies on the issue are limited. It is important to conduct an integrated and comprehensive approach. It is also vital to achieve large-scale awareness."

Iain Drennan, the executive director of the WeProtect Global Alliance, said their report showed children today face a sustained threat of child sexual exploitation and abuse online.

Governments, the private sector and civil society must commit sufficient funding to tackle the threat, he said.

He added governments must invest in victim support services and all stakeholders must safely engage survivors of child sexual abuse to inform the design of effective services, policies and support.

Liu Xiaochun, executive director of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Internet Law Research Center, said major online risks for children include illegal and adverse information, internet addiction, cyberbullying, infringement of personal information and cybercrime.

"Recent research and rule formations focus on regulating technologies on the internet, content recommendation for children and functions that allow children to pay for games and live broadcasting," she said.