The RA Ministry of High-Tech Industry hosted a roundtable discussion on “Children’s Online Safety: Through the Eyes of Children.”
The event, organized by the RA Ministry of BTA and the Union of Operators of Armenia in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union, was attended by children aged 10-16 from different schools in Yerevan and the regions.
Welcoming the event attendees, Arshak Kerobyan, Head of the Digitization Department of the RA Ministry of High-Tech Industry, noted that the Ministry of BTA is implementing several events to create a safe Internet environment and that this meeting also aims to hear the views and ideas of children on this issue.
In her speech, Christine Gyonjyan, Director of the Union of Operators of Armenia and International Telecommunications Expert, emphasized that anyone on the Internet can take steps to harm them. To minimize this risk, a multifaceted approach involving the state, private institutions, and the child should be used.
Then, the discussion focused on three agenda items: What risks do children face on the Internet, and which are urgent? What methods should be used? What is the role of the state?
During the discussion, the children raised existing problems and proposed solutions, presenting their ideas about the role of parents, schools, and the state in ensuring online safety.
At the end of the meeting, the participating children completed and signed a symbolic manifesto addressed to the government.
