Effective policies and programmes addressing violence, sexual exploitation and abuse of children related to information and communication technologies (ICTs) - UNICEF evidence review

Objectives: Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become an integral part of society, bringing benefits to children worldwide. At the same time they can expose children to various forms of abuse, violence and... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives:
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become an integral part of society, bringing benefits to children worldwide. At the same time they can expose children to various forms of abuse, violence and exploitation; violent images and other inappropriate content; more invasive forms of bullying; sexual solicitation (‘online grooming’); and abuse and exploitation in the form of child sexual abuse materials and even live stream abuse.

To respond to the increasing demand from governments and partners to develop national strategies to protect children from ICT-related violence, exploitation and abuse, and promote children’s digital citizenship, UNICEF has identified the need to document effective policies and programmes. This paper will outline policies and programmes proven to be effective in addressing ICT related violence, exploitation and abuse of children in high-, middle- and low-income countries/regions.

Methods:
UNICEF has commissioned a desk based review of policies and prorgammes proven to be effective in addressing ICT-related violence, exploitation and abuse of children. The desk review will be based on published research and guidance on effective policies and programmes, research of relevant electronic databases, and key journals and grey literature. The evidence review will be independently reviewed by academic and practice experts.

Results:
The evidence review is currently being undertaken and will be ready by June 2016. It will review the state of the art of policies and programmes proven effective to address ICT-related violence, exploitation and abuse of children in high-, middle- and low-income countries. It will inform the development of a guidance document which is commissioned simultaneously by UNICEF.

Conclusion:
The evidence review will be ready by June 2016. Although it is anticipated that there may be gaps in the evidence, it is anticipated that the research will identify areas of work where there may promising findings and practices.