Social Media Insensitivity: Fears Rise Over Children’s Online Safety

Speakers at a national workshop organized by Press Council Nepal have highlighted the escalating risks faced by children due to increased exposure to insensitive online content. They warned that without effective regulation, the situation could deteriorate further.

The workshop emphasized the pressing need for media, both mainstream and social, to take responsibility for safeguarding children’s rights and safety. Participants stressed the importance of enforcing existing laws and developing new regulations to address violations in media content related to child rights.

Bhanu Bhakta Joshi, Chairperson of the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee, emphasized the parliamentary committee’s role in prioritizing child rights in legislation related to communication and information technology.

Press Council Nepal Chairperson Bal Krishna Basnet urged media organizations to adopt self-regulation and adhere to ethical standards. He called for a collective effort to mitigate the negative impacts of media on society, particularly in an era where social media usage is pervasive.

Rights activist Professor Dr. Kundan Aryal highlighted the role of both media and civil society in ensuring online security for children, emphasizing the importance of media literacy and digital literacy. He underscored the need for comprehensive research to understand the impact of social networking sites and media on children’s security.

Krishna Kumar Thapa, Executive Director of Voice of Children, raised concerns about children’s vulnerability to online threats, calling for heightened awareness and action from media outlets. He urged security bodies to remain vigilant against online abuses targeting children.

The workshop also featured a presentation on child-friendly communication guidelines by Press Council Nepal’s chief officer, Jhabindra Bhusal. Instances of physical, mental, and social abuses against children via social media platforms were highlighted, along with concerns about mainstream media’s insensitivity towards children’s rights and privacy.

As the digital landscape evolves, the workshop concluded that concerted efforts are necessary to ensure the online safety and well-being of children, with media playing a pivotal role in promoting responsible communication and adherence to legal and ethical standards.