“The need to safeguard children and young people (C&YP) online is one of the most important issues we face today. That is why, on Safer Internet Day 2025, I am reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that C&YP in Northern Ireland can explore and benefit from the digital world safely, free from harm, coercion, and exploitation.
 
“The online world presents incredible opportunities… but it also carries serious risks, particularly for vulnerable children – and, as the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must our efforts to protect C&YP from the dangers they face online.
 
“At NICCY, we remain deeply concerned about the rising levels of online harm. Too often, C&YP are targeted and manipulated in ways that put their safety, wellbeing, and mental health at significant risk. It is unacceptable that they should be exposed to such dangers – and we must do more to educate, empower, and protect them from these threats.
 
“One of our key priorities is ensuring that C&YP fully understand online boundaries. Digital literacy, relationship and sexuality education, and online safety education must be a core part of learning, equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and report harmful or inappropriate behaviour.
 
“Regulation and policy must be robust and effective in safeguarding children from harm, ensuring that they have access to a safe and positive online environment. Online platforms and tech companies must also take greater responsibility in designing safer spaces, implementing stronger protective measures so that their services do not enable harm.
 
“Most importantly, it is essential that we listen to the voices of C&YP. Their lived experiences, concerns, and suggestions must be at the heart of policy development and decision-making. Young people are experts in their own lives – and their perspectives are invaluable in shaping a digital world that is truly safe and supportive for them.
 
“C&YP continually tell my colleagues and I that more must be done to help them navigate the online world safely. They tell me that social media age limits are rarely enforced and suggest that ID verifications would help address this. I also regularly hear that they believe there should be limitations on phone usage, and that sensitivity and trigger content warnings would be welcome.   
 
“As we work towards a safer internet, I call on government, industry, educators, parents, and all stakeholders to work together to create a digital world where C&YP can thrive safely. We must be mindful of the fact the UNCRC General Comment 25 explicitly states that children’s rights apply in the digital world and that the best interests of every child is a primary consideration.
 
“The responsibility to protect young people online belongs to all of us – and we must take all possible measures to ensure that their rights, safety, and best interests come first.”