The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) places children before unpredictable factors, creating an urgent need for protective “shields”.
Increasingly, harmful information such as the spread of extremist ideologies, incitement to violence, and fraud are appearing on social media, video platforms, messaging apps, and online games — spaces that children and teenagers interact with daily.
Extremist groups often exploit the psychological and emotional factors of children, while also utilising the algorithms of digital platforms to expand their reach and spread extremist ideologies, becoming a serious threat to children. In this context, it is necessary to develop specialised educational programs to prevent children from being drawn into violent acts and extremist ideologies in cyberspace.
To mitigate the negative impact of children’s uncontrolled and widespread internet use, many governments, such as those of Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea, are considering the implementation of regulations to restrict children’s internet use or proposing age-based bans on social media.
The President of the European Commission has tasked a group of experts with reporting by July on the steps the European Union (EU) should take to protect minors online, including the possibility of banning social media use.
However, comprehensive social media bans are not the optimal solution as they do not address the root of the problem. Experts argue that focusing solely on age restrictions will not change the design and algorithms. In reality, bans can be easily circumvented, potentially leading children to switch to riskier and less supervised platforms.
Furthermore, excessive control can hinder children’s development of digital skills and independent thinking, especially as social media plays a crucial role in building relationships and accessing information among young people.
Therefore, protective measures need to change to align with the online behaviour and interaction habits of young people. As children are being exposed to the internet at increasingly younger ages, equipping them with skills to identify risks and protect themselves online is considered a key factor in limiting increasingly sophisticated online abuse.
In addition, the responsibility of technology corporations in managing cyberspace needs to be strengthened. The set of 10 principles on protecting children online, as published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations, ensures the highest level of protection for children’s data.
According to the guidelines, some new issues, such as the use of AI chatbots or addictive designs, need to be subject to age restrictions, while ensuring children's access to redress mechanisms when their rights are violated.
According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, countries need to require technology companies to integrate child safety features from the product design stage as harmful online behaviours towards children stem from the design choices and business models of digital platforms. Features such as auto-playing videos or constant notifications can increase the level of risk for children.
The benefits coupled with the lurking dangers in cyberspace make internet use a “double-edged sword” for children. More than ever, children need an effective shield to protect them in the online environment. Experts believe that education on digital skills for parents and children should be considered an urgent priority.
