Latest posts six columns

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and its impact on protecting children against child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is profound and complex. Although AI can be harmful in the wrong hands, it offers powerful tools that help detect, prevent, and combat CSEA. AI as a Safeguarding Tool AI can sift through vast...

Infant trafficking is a horrifying reality that preys on the most vulnerable members of our society. This issue is compounded by two significant challenges: Substantial obstacles in identifying trafficked infants and a lack of accessible, specialised services for child victims. Addressing this crisis requires examining these barriers and considering innovative, trauma-informed approaches that prioritise the...

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), observed annually on the 10th of September, is an important initiative designed to raise global awareness about suicide prevention. Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), WSPD highlights the need for open dialogue and the reduction of stigma...

On August 23rd, we commemorate the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition – a day that marks the beginning of the Haitian Revolution in 1791, which played a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. As we reflect on the past, it is essential to acknowledge...

On July 30th, we join the global community in commemorating World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights, with children being among its most vulnerable victims. In fact, the theme this year is:  “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” which reminds us of children’s...

Every 20th June, we pay special attention and appreciation to the strength, resilience, needs, and courage of individuals who had to involuntarily flee from their homes. World Refugee Day serves as an opportunity for awareness raising and advocacy for a population that has unfortunately more than tripled within the last decade. Often characterised by a...

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on June 4th serves as a solemn reminder of the pervasive violence and suffering faced by children in conflict zones worldwide. From the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, children are often the victims of physical, mental, and emotional atrocities that leave a devastating...

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination occurring on March 21st, serves as an annual reminder of the persistent battle against racial prejudice and discrimination. In particular, this year’s theme, ‘People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development’, acknowledges the unique hardships faced by individuals of African Descent, and commemorates the 1960 Sharpeville...

The Growing Up in the Digital Age Summit organised by Google offered valuable insights into the complex and evolving landscape of online safety for children. It is no news that the internet presents children with both immense opportunities for learning and connection, and also poses real risks. With technologies constantly evolving, it is imperative to...

As the world descends upon another exciting Safer Internet Day on February 6th, the theme this year, “Together for a Better Internet,” resonates deeply. It serves as a potent reminder that creating a safe and positive online experience for everyone, particularly children and young people, demands a collective effort. This journey requires us to step...

In a world where conflict, violence, and inequality are pervasive, education emerges as a powerful instrument for cultivating peace, understanding, and a more hopeful future. The International Day of Education, celebrated annually on January 24th, offers an opportunity to reflect on our dedication towards creating a meaningful impact through evidence-based practices, innovative research, and a...

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the concept of child-centred AI has emerged as a critical focal point for ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest generation. This paradigm shift urges us to move beyond viewing children as a homogenous group and instead appreciate the incredible diversity of their lives,...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise every industry, spanning from social media to the automotive industry. As the field advances, so does the need to understand and counteract adversarial prompt engineering, which involves manipulating AI systems through carefully crafted inputs. Prompt engineering plays a crucial role in this process, allowing us to influence AI models’...

In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives, connecting people, providing learning opportunities, and offering entertainment. However, the pervasive nature of technology brings with it a range of challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring online safety for both parents and children. Balancing the need for effective age assurance...

We had the privilege of attending several events between the 11th and 14th June, including the London Tech Week, the PLAN UK Girls’ Rights Collective meeting, and the Social Research Association Conference. These experiences have prompted us to reflect on the importance of going beyond surface-level considerations of equity, diversity, and inclusion in research, and...

In a world where technology evolves rapidly, online safety advocacy holds the key to ensuring children’s voices are heard to drive positive change for the necessary safeguards to be in place so that children can thrive online. To equip members of ChildFund Alliance with the necessary tools and knowledge, we held the first capability building session...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed various aspects of our lives, raising questions about its impact on society, the economy, and individual well-being. As AI technology continues to advance, the debate between AI as a people-oriented tool or a people-replacing force intensifies. This blog post delves into the multifaceted dimensions of AI, exploring its potential...

Examining children’s perspectives about online risks provides an understanding of risk that pertains to those who are directly influenced and affected by such risks. Social representations theory was developed to explain how people make sense of new ideas and new information. The theory is very useful in understanding how different structures help shape sense-making of...