Sectors must work together to build reporting pathways children
can actually reach. This includes effective reporting mechanisms about
what’s happening on platforms, and funding the social service, health and
justice responses that children need to stop harm.
Societies, schools and families must shift the burden of protection
off children. Adults around the child should reinforce that abuse is never
the child’s fault, respond to disclosure with care rather than blame or
restriction, and address the economic vulnerabilities and harmful norms
that perpetrators exploit.
The stakes
The norms and values that enable abuse can change. The technology
through which this harm reaches children can be redesigned. The rules
and regulations around it can be rewritten. If they are, millions of children
can benefit from the digital world without it being turned against them.
If they are not, the silence, and the cycle of harm, trauma and mental
health impacts will continue. Children have shared their experiences with
honesty and courage. Their voices must now lead to change.
Through Children’s Eyes
Executive summary
5