Reflections from Rome: Safeguarding Children’s Dignity in the Age of AI

Helen Mason is greeted by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Vatican City

The power and promise of artificial intelligence is one of the defining features of our digital age — but so too are the ethical questions and risks it brings for children and young people. In mid-November, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable gathering of experts, advocates, faith leaders, policymakers and technologists – including […]

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 – Change the Narrative

Too many young lives are lost to suicide, and it’s getting worse! Youth suicide rates are increasing in North America, Central and Southern America, Asia and Oceania (1). In Europe, youth suicide rates have declined in some, but not all, countries. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for people aged 15-29 years […]

The Role of Child Helplines in Online Safety

A Blog for Safer Internet Day 2025

The need to protect children in digital spaces has never been more urgent. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection and self-expression … but it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and harmful content. Safer Internet Day is a timely occasion to take a closer look at the hugely important […]

Reflections: Day 1 of the 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children

A Spotlight on Child Helplines

Yesterday marked the opening of the 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, a historic gathering of government officials, policy experts, activists and organizations committed to ending violence against children. Hosted in a spirit of collaboration, the conference set an ambitious tone – building a world where no child faces violence and where […]

Ending Violence Against Children: Positioning Child Helplines at the Heart of Response, Referral, Protection and Prevention

As we approach the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia, we are reminded that violence against children is not just a problem in some corners of the world—it’s a universal crisis. Violence impacts children across geographies, cultures, and socio-economic contexts. It threatens their health, disrupts their education, and shatters their […]

You Are Not Alone

The Role of Child Helplines in Responding to AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

In recent years, the exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many aspects of society. However, with these advancements come new and disturbing challenges, including the rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Reports from the Internet Watch Foundation reveal that AI-generated CSAM is becoming increasingly prevalent online, reaching what they call a […]

Shaping a Future with Children at the Centre

How the UN's "Summit of the Future" Unlocks Opportunities for Child Helplines

The United Nations’ recent “Summit of the Future” marked a significant milestone in global governance, policy frameworks and strategies. Its final report emphasizes a forward-looking agenda that places children and young people at the heart of shaping the future. This forward-thinking vision has exciting implications and possibilities for child protection and responsive services, particularly for […]

Get Ready to Ride With Us!

Many children and young people enjoy online gaming, giving them opportunities to make friends, learn new skills and improve cognitive functions. The downsides and risks are also well documented and acknowledged by duty bearers, carers and young people themselves. Sadly, many children and young people are exposed to harmful content online, through gaming platforms. Some […]