Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- According to the global evidence, one-third of all internet users are children under 18 years and a child goes online for the first time every half second. 

Globally, every day more and more children and adolescents get access to information and communication technologies, and Uzbekistan is no exception. The pandemic of COVID-19 contributed to accelerating this process and pushed both children and adults to spend even more time online than before. 

When used in the right way – and accessible to all – the internet has the potential to broaden horizons and ignite creativity the world over. However, with these opportunities come serious risks and dangers for children which take many various forms such as cyberbullying, cyber harassment, online grooming, and others. 

On the Day of Safer Internet, globally marked on 8 February, UNICEF and Cybercrime Center of the Ministry of Interior have launched cooperation with the aim to reduce harm and protect children from online violence. Parliamentarians, Authorized Person of Oliy Majlis for Child Rights, representatives of state agencies, and non-governmental organizations took part in the event.

“Expanding internet access and reducing the digital divide is vital for ensuring that all children and young people are learning and acquiring the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. Unfortunately, with all the benefits, the Internet is also associated with online abuse, exploitation and misinformation. Therefore, the best way to tackle both online and offline violence is to apply a systems-based approach in dealing with these issues”, said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan. “Addressing the issues of violence against children requires improved parenting, increased awareness of children themselves, strengthened social service and child protection workforces as well as strong legislative and institutional frameworks, including data collection and management system”, he added.

“In today’s world of globalization, the views of young people change every day. One of the main reasons for this is their active use of modern information communications, the ability to keep abreast of world events and news. In this regard, in our country, where the majority of the population is young people, it is important to prevent and combat cyber threats against them,” said Behzod Mamadjanov, head of the Cybercrime Center of the Ministry of Interior.

As the way forward in fighting both online and offline violence against children, participants recommended improving inter-agency cooperation, active participation of civil society organizations, awareness-raising, and educating parents and frontline specialists on how to support children and protect them from online threats.