Children, Parents, and Teachers Insufficiently Aware of Internet Dangers - Ombudsman

The Office of the Human Rights Defender continues to receive alerts from parents and teachers regarding the protection of children's rights in the digital environment. An analysis of the complaints reveals that parents and teachers are insufficiently informed about the dangers and issues of the internet.

Recently, dangerous games that threaten the lives and health of children have gained widespread popularity on the internet, spreading uncontrollably across the globe and posing a significant threat to the healthy development of children, especially those in adolescence. Unfortunately, such games have also found their way into our country.

This situation calls for increased attention and vigilance from children's parents, other legal representatives, and teachers, as well as clear preventive measures, including enhancements to safety mechanisms for children in the digital environment.

Children should also know how to avoid threats or protect themselves online, as the innovative technological environment has an enticing influence on children.

Useful advice on protecting children in the digital environment can be found in the guide titled “Respecting, Protecting, and Realizing Children's Rights in the Digital Environment,” which has been adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. This guide contains recommendations for all member states of the Council of Europe.

The Armenian translation of the guide was presented by the Office of the Human Rights Defender in 2018. The Office regularly organizes seminars for teachers, focusing on raising awareness among information technology teachers about children's safety in the digital environment. Around 100 teachers have already participated in these training sessions.

You can familiarize yourself with the Armenian guide “Respecting, Protecting, and Realizing Children's Rights in the Digital Environment,” translated by the Office of the Human Rights Defender, by following this link.