Experts discuss children's online protection at intl forum

The 2025 International Forum on Child Online Protection was held in Beijing from Sept 25 to 26, bringing together nearly 200 scholars and experts from over 20 countries and international organizations. Themed "Safeguarding Our Future: A Smart Approach to Child Protection and Development in a Digital Era," the event focused on building a secure online world for the next generation.

While acknowledging the immense opportunities the internet provides for minors, forum experts also highlighted the significant challenges within the digital landscape. They shared the best practices for minors' online protection and called for a collaborative effort to build a global community with a shared vision for a safe digital world for children.

Li Changxi, vice-minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, emphasized China's commitment to advancing internet governance and cybersecurity. He noted that protecting minors online is a cornerstone of the country's broader strategy for lawful internet governance. Li highlighted China's multi-faceted protection system, which integrates government, schools, families, enterprises, and research institutions. This collaborative framework encompasses legal regulations, educational empowerment, technical safeguards, and industry standards, cultural guidance, and academic support.

Zhou Hongyu, vice-president of the Chinese Society of Education, underscored the nation's strategic focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. He noted that China has developed the world's largest and most resource-rich national smart education platform, which leverages AI to support the healthy development of minors in the digital age.

Ian J. Marshall, ambassador of Grenada to China, expressed his gratitude for China's leadership in online protection. He praised the country's robust legal framework and its programs designed to teach children how to navigate the digital world with confidence. Inspired by this vision, Marshall reaffirmed Grenada's commitment to contributing to the shared goal of a safer digital world for all children.

Stella Christie, vice-minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia, stated that ensuring the safety of millions of young Indonesian internet users is a national priority. She emphasized the importance of strengthening policies, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering collaboration between schools, families, and technology providers to create a secure digital ecosystem.

Amakobe Sande, UNICEF representative to China, described the forum as a crucial platform for advancing collective efforts. She urged all participants to prioritize cross-sector and cross-border collaboration, share practical solutions for preventing online violence, and build a global consensus on the principles needed to protect children's rights in every digital space.

The main session featured the unveiling of several significant initiatives. These included the outcomes of the “@Sprout” Initiative on Child Online Protection, a series of video courses on child cybersecurity, and the “2025 Report on Child Online Protection.” The launch of a new National Standard Development initiative: “Cybersecurity Technology: Guidelines for the Safe Application of Artificial Intelligence Involving Children” was announced.

The forum was hosted by China Federation of Internet Societies, the Chinese Society of Education, and Beijing Normal University. The event also featured sub-forums on digital literacy in the AI era and legal practices in minors' online protection, complemented by a series of supporting activities.