#USA #Washington, D.C. #Child Protection Index #Cyber Safety #Digital Citizenship

The Launch of the Child Protection in Cyberspace Index

In a significant step towards enhancing online safety for the younger generation, the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) and the DQ Institute have unveiled the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Index. This announcement came during the Child Protection in Cyberspace Summit at the GCF Annual Meeting, held on October 2-3, 2024. This initiative, championed by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, stands as a testament to the global commitment to ensuring a secure digital environment for children.

Dr. Yuhyun Park, the founder of the DQ Institute, remarked that the CPC Index represents the first actionable outcome following the agreement at the 2024 UN General Assembly to promote child protection in digital spaces. "This index will not only track but also monitor the global efforts aimed at creating safer online realms for children," she stated during an interview.

Objectives and Features of the CPC Index

With this index, countries will have a robust framework to evaluate their online safety measures related to children. Here are some key highlights of the CPC Index:

• - International Benchmarks: The CPC Index collates benchmarks from around the globe, providing nations with a clear path to assess cyber risks and the overall digital citizenship levels among minors.
• - Comprehensive Analysis: It encompasses government policies, regulations, educational systems, family involvement, and accountability from the technology sector.
• - Best Practices: The index will showcase the leading digital citizenship programs worldwide, offering actionable recommendations to policymakers and educational leaders.

Dr. Park emphasized that the CPC Index’s collaborative framework involves all stakeholders, including governments, industries, educational institutions, families, and children themselves. This comprehensive approach is crucial for creating effective national strategies to progress in protecting children in the digital space.

Growing Challenges in Child Online Safety

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming statistics. According to the DQ Institute's Child Online Safety Index, over 70% of children globally have faced at least one cyber-risk. Dr. Park highlighted that with the advent of artificial intelligence, these figures are likely to change dramatically as new threats emerge. "While AI can help mitigate certain risks, it also presents challenges that could worsen the situation," she cautioned. The primary goal is to reduce the number of children encountering risks by at least 15% by the year 2030.

The Role of Education

One of the pivotal recommendations presented by Dr. Park is the implementation of mandatory digital citizenship education for primary school students. She believes this would serve as a crucial turning point for the long-term safety of children online.

"Real change comes from actionable steps, and the CPC Index will be an essential guide for nations to ensure the digital safety of future generations," she enthused. The call to action is clear: governments must prioritize early digital literacy education, equipping children with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the internet responsibly.

About the DQ Institute

The DQ Institute (DQI) is a notable think tank whose mission is to establish global standards for digital intelligence. It is committed to enhancing the safety, empowerment, and well-being of individuals in the digital era. The DQ framework is recognized as the leading global standard for digital literacy and skills, underscoring the importance of this initiative in our increasingly digital world. To learn more, visit the DQ Institute's official website.

As we stand on the brink of 2025, the launch of the CPC Index heralds a hopeful step towards a safer digital landscape for children, ensuring they can thrive in an online world free from the excessive risks that currently plague them.