UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) India and Facebook launched a one-year joint initiative to end violence against children with a special focus on online safety. UNICEF said in a statement that the aim of this partnership is to provide a safe environment for children online and offline.
According to UNICEF, it aims to improve children’s ability to have safe access to the digital world, to raise awareness of violence against children and its impact on children, families and communities. It also aims to enhance the skills of communities and frontline workers to better prevent and respond to violence.
The partnership will lead to a nationwide social media campaign and capacity building of 100,000 school children with regard to online safety, digital literacy and psychosocial support. The virtual launch of the initiative was attended by Aastha Saxena Khatwani, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Madhu Sirohi, Facebook Head of Programs and Outreach and Yasumasa Kimura, Deputy Representative Programs, UNICEF India.
During this, Aastha Saxena Khatwani said, “In the last one and a half years, the Internet has enabled children to continue their education, overcoming the constraints of time and pandemic situation. As we encourage children to access online education resources. We should be aware of the danger that comes with the pervasive nature of these online mediums.”
Yasumasa Kimura says that ‘the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the possibility of children facing violence, both online or offline. Recognizing the significant efforts being made to end violence against children, it is important to find out how, when and where violence against children occurs in order to raise awareness.
“This is critical to promote better understanding the violence and most effective ways to ensure child safety both online and offline,” he said.
Sirohi said, “The pandemic has spurred the adoption of digital platforms. Being online gives young people so many choices. It gives them skills such as self-control and resilience that can help them make decisions that will lead to positive outcomes both online and offline.”