Round Table discussions between Government, Social Media Service Providers, Internet Service Providers and the Online Safety CSOs Forum on Online Child Safety

Theme: A safety by design approach to protecting children online: A collaborative roundtable discussion between government, social media and internet service providers, and the Online Safety CSOs Forum on online child safety.

1. Introduction 

Background Information 

The digital environment is an integral part of children’s lives as it has brought opportunities for learning, connection, self-expression, entertainment, reference, and socializing. The Disrupting Harm Household’s survey records that 67% of 12-17-year-olds in Kenya are internet users. This figure rises from 55% among children aged 12-13 and 62% among children aged 14-15 to 83% among children aged 16-17. 

While it is commendable that digital connectivity has given a voice to children, it has also presented a spectrum of risks that have seen children undergo technology-facilitated abuse and exploitation, including online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA). The reported incidents of online child sexual exploitation and abuse are growing at an alarming rate. With new inventions that have attracted unintended consequences, criminals targeting children continue advancing their methods to lure children into different forms of online crimes. This has not only left many children with permanent scars from the heinous crimes, but families have lost their loved ones, and cases of self-harm and suicide have equally been reported. 

Safety by design is emerging as a new concept that could point the way toward innovation that is both beneficial and responsible, placing children’s safety and well-being at the forefront. 

Purpose of the Roundtable discussion with social media service providers and tech companies. 

The Directorate of Children Services, in collaboration with the Online Safety CSOs Forum (KICTANet, Mtoto News, Child Fund, Watoto Watch Network, Mtoto News, Eveminet, Terre des Hommes ), intends to host a roundtable discussion to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and an opportunity for joint deliberation between the government, social media service providers, internet service providers, and civil society organizations on what is currently and actively being done to protect children online and to share areas we can jointly improve as recommended in the Disrupting Harm Report among other online safety studies conducted in the country. 

1. Objectives 

Primary Objectives

The primary objective of the roundtable discussion is to create a platform for dialogue and engagement between the government, social media service providers, internet service providers and civil society organizations to foster collaboration to enhance online child safety. 

Scope of the Round Table 

Directorate of Children Services to lead in providing the current overview of online child safety in Kenya.

Social media service providers and Internet Service Providers to share updated and current best practices being implemented and successful models for safeguarding children online.

The internet we want: Perspectives from children

The internet we want for our children: Best practices from parents, learnings

The concept of Safety by Design

At both international and national levels, there is an outcry demanding that social media service providers and internet service providers lead in the design of products that prioritize children’s safety and well-being. Children are direct consumers of these products, and they must be made aware of the possible ills of engaging in behaviors that may be classified as risky and could potentially lead to them being taken advantage of. It is in equal measure that as children, caregivers, and different community structures are sensitized on the potential harms, that social media service providers should work towards continuously improving their platforms to ensure children are protected online and any cases of potential or actual abuse or exploitation reported. 

Expected Outcomes of the Roundtable Discussion

1. Enhanced Collaboration and Partnerships
2. Strengthened Online Child Safety Measures
3. Informed Policy Development

3.  Targeted Participants 

The roundtable discussion will target 50 participants, all who will contribute productively to the dialogue sessions and ensure children are protected online. This is a multistakeholder convening that will encourage interagency coordination between different government entities, CSOs, ISPs, SMSPs, Parents, and Children.  

4.  Dates

5th and 6th December 2024, Venue TBC

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