Amman: The National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA), in collaboration with Save the Children, has unveiled a comprehensive study on digital safety for children. The initiative is part of the Safe Digital Childhood Coalition, which aims to create secure digital environments for children, protecting them from online violence while fostering spaces for self-expression.
According to Jordan News Agency, the study was conducted across four governorates representing Jordan’s social diversity and included feedback from 1,500 children spanning 375 families. Key findings of the study revealed that only 7.5% of families had measures to block “immoral sites,” while a significant 56% of children owned personal devices.
The launch event of the study brought together prominent figures, including Ali Musimi, Secretary-General of the Judicial Council, and Dana Erekat, Executive Director of Save the Children Jordan. Representatives from the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Public Security Directorate and other stakeholders were
also present. Musimi emphasized the importance of digital safety as crucial not only for leveraging modern technology but also for shielding children from its potential adverse effects. He stressed the need for updated legislation to tackle emerging cyber threats and called for increased awareness and proactive measures to ensure a secure digital environment for children.
Muhammad Zoubi, NCFA’s Assistant Secretary-General for Technical Affairs, highlighted Jordan’s ongoing efforts in protecting children through robust policies, legislation, and services. He advocated for national initiatives to ensure safe digital platforms for children, aligning with the Child Rights Law, which guarantees freedom of expression and protection against cybercrimes.
Erekat noted that the study provides a thorough evaluation of digital protection systems for children and adolescents in Jordan. It scrutinizes existing policies, legislation, and institutional frameworks while pinpointing gaps to enhance digital safety measures.
Naila Sarayrah, Director of Legislative Development and Agreements at NCFA, stressed the Child Rights Law’s significance in aligning national legislation with international agreements. She advocated for journalist training on children’s digital rights and the creation of specialized media content aimed at raising awareness on these critical issues.