Early Insights from Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Delay
As of December 10, 2025, Australia has implemented a mandatory minimum age of 16 for holding social media accounts, covering platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, X, YouTube, and others. The law, aimed at protecting young people’s mental health, requires platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent access, with potential fines for non-compliance. As part […]
Building Stronger Child Helpline Responses to Online Harms
Reflections from a Voice Up Africa Training in Namibia
From 4–5 November 2025, we had the privilege of co-facilitating an in-person training in Windhoek, Namibia, under the Voice Up Africa project, focused on online harms and how child helplines can respond effectively. As Childline South Africa’s Online Counselling Manager for the past 13 years, this topic is deeply personal to me. The digital world […]
Letter to the European Commission on Children’s Online Protection
Calling for children’s voices to shape EU digital policy
In December, Child Helpline International, together with our national members Børns Vilkår (Denmark) and BRIS (Sweden), sent a letter to President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission calling for children’s voices to be placed at the centre of EU policymaking on online safety. Drawing on direct insights from millions of contacts to child […]
Looking Back at IC 2025: Regional Spaces
Earlier this year, the 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines (IC 2025) brought together over 300 participants from around the globe in Livingstone, Zambia, for three days of learning, collaboration and shared commitment to children’s rights. Delegates explored themes such as online safety, mental health support, inclusive services, and the meaningful participation of children and […]
Year of Reparation: Cross-Border Child Protection, Climate Change and Children’s Rights in Africa
Regional Representative of African Child Helplines Addresses the 45th ACERWC Session in Lesotho
Our Regional Representative for Africa, Michael Marwa, delivered a powerful statement during the opening days of the 45th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), held in Maseru, Lesotho. The session brought together governments, civil society, youth, and development partners under the AU’s 2025 theme: […]
Child Helplines in Africa: Advocating for Stronger Child Protection Mechanisms
As Regional Representative for Africa, I represented Child Helpline International and addressed the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) during its 44th Ordinary Session in Maseru, Lesotho. We presented findings from a comprehensive data analysis of child helplines in 12 countries across East and Southern Africa, revealing alarming […]
Gender, Safety and Help-Seeking Behaviours in Online Gaming Environments
In June 2024, our partners ECPAT International hosted a workshop that brought together child rights representatives, researchers and online gaming companies to discuss gender, safety and help-seeking behaviours in online environments. Participants explored challenges, identified gaps and proposed key actions aimed at ensuring gender-sensitive children’s safety in online gaming. Attending the workshop in Brussels on […]
20 Years, 20 Voices: KJT, Luxembourg
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Child Helpline International, we invited some of our members – from all around the world, and whether they are founding members or members who have only recently joined us – to share their stories in this special series showcasing child helplines across the globe. KJT (KANNER-JUGENDTELEFON) – LUXEMBOURG Since […]
20 Years, 20 Voices: ANAR, Spain
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Child Helpline International, we invited some of our members – from all around the world, and whether they are founding members or members who have only recently joined us – to share their stories in this special series showcasing child helplines across the globe. ANAR, SPAIN ANAR Foundation is […]
20 Years, 20 Voices: Child and Youth Helpline, Finland
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Child Helpline International, we invited some of our members – from all around the world, and whether they are founding members or members who have only recently joined us – to share their stories in this special series showcasing child helplines across the globe. CHILD AND YOUTH HELPLINE, FINLAND […]