Our tobacco moment? Protecting children online must be built by design – not pursued platform by platform
Child Helpline International is closely following the landmark proceedings brought by 29 US states against Meta, concerning allegations that Facebook and Instagram have used design features that encourage compulsive and excessive use among children and young people. The case forms part of growing scrutiny worldwide of the impact that engagement-driven digital design can have on […]
Bigger, Bolder, Together: Powering the Next Generation of Crisis Support
The announcement on Monday that Crisis Text Line has acquired Aselo marks an important moment for a platform that began with a simple idea: technology for child helplines should be built with child helplines. Aselo was born from the child helpline movement, co-created by Tech Matters with Child Helpline International and our members because we […]
Technology-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Addressing the Challenges of Categorization and Reporting
A new report from the Digital Futures for Children Centre highlights the complexities of classifying and addressing technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). We were honoured to contribute to this research, with our Director of Partnerships and Operations Helen Mason and myself sharing the perspective of child helplines on the issue. Being part of […]
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 […]