Amman – The National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA), in partnership with Save the Children, has unveiled a comprehensive study on digital safety for children. This initiative, part of the Safe Digital Childhood Coalition, aims to create secure online environments for children, shielding them from digital violence and promoting self-expression.
The study, which involved 1,500 children from 375 families across four governorates in Jordan, revealed concerning findings. Only 7.5% of families blocked “immoral sites,” while 56% of children had personal devices. The study highlights gaps in digital safety measures and emphasizes the need for improved protection systems.
The launch event featured key 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 also attended.
Musimi stressed the importance of digital safety, emphasizing the need for updated legislation to combat emerging cyber threats. He called for heightened awareness and proactive measures to create a safer digital environment for children.
Muhammad Zoubi, NCFA’s Assistant Secretary-General for Technical Affairs, reiterated Jordan’s commitment to child protection through strong policies, legislation, and services. He advocated for national initiatives to ensure safe digital platforms, aligning with the Child Rights Law, which protects both freedom of expression and safeguards children against cybercrimes.
Erekat noted that the study provides a thorough assessment of digital protection systems for children and adolescents in Jordan, reviewing policies, legislation, and institutional frameworks while identifying areas for improvement.
Naila Sarayrah, Director of Legislative Development and Agreements at NCFA, highlighted the significance of the Child Rights Law in aligning national legislation with international standards. She called for training journalists on children’s digital rights and the creation of specialized media content to increase awareness.