ChildSafeNet (CSN), in collaboration with UNICEF Nepal, launched a situation paper titled “Nepal’s Digital Generation: Challenges and Solutions for Child Online Protection” at an event in Lalitpur on Friday.

The paper, developed after reviewing over 160 research reports and consulting with experts in online child protection, outlines strategies to create a secure digital environment for Nepali children.

The launch event was attended by Nawal Kishore Sah Sudi, Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens; Indra Devi Dhakal, Member Secretary of the National Child Rights Council; Jee Hyun Rah, UNICEF Nepal Representative; and Anil Raghuvanshi, founder of ChildSafeNet.

Themed “A Safer Digital World: Navigating Risks, Safeguarding Children,” the event emphasised the importance of plans and policies to ensure safe internet usage for children. Participants included children, government officials, advocates, and media representatives.

Minister Sah Sudi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child online safety. “We are dedicated to creating a secure digital space for children through policy reforms, enforcement mechanisms, and education campaigns,” he said.

UNICEF’s Jee Hyun Rah highlighted the dual nature of internet exposure, stating, “While the internet offers immense opportunities, it also exposes children to significant risks like cyberbullying, sexual abuse, and identity theft. This situation demands urgent collective action.”

The event featured a panel discussion, where child representative Abhinay Chauhan questioned key stakeholders, including Anil Raghuvanshi and Indra Devi Dhakal, about their efforts to combat online threats.

Raghuvanshi stressed the need for increased budgets to educate children and combat issues like cyber exploitation and hate speech, while panellists committed to making the digital world safer.

The discussion also touched on the growing role of generative AI in worsening online risks, further underscoring the urgency of addressing digital safety for children.