Dukaj and Servadei: Child protection should be part of the new cybersecurity strategy

The protection of children in the digital space should be clearly recognized in the new cybersecurity strategy of Montenegro, it was announced at a meeting between the Minister of Public Administration Maraš Dukaj and the Head of UNICEF's Office in Podgorica, Mikele Servadei.

As announced by the Ministry of Public Administration (MPA), the interlocutors emphasized that digital security is not only a technical and systemic issue, but also an issue of protecting people, especially children.

The ministry recalled the results of this year's Disrupting Harm survey, conducted by UNICEF, INTERPOL and ECPAT International, according to which 99 percent of children aged 12 to 17 in Montenegro use the internet, while 91 percent of them use social networks or messaging apps at least once a week.

The research also shows that more than one in ten child internet users was exposed to sexual exploitation and abuse using technology in the year preceding the survey, and that 59 percent of these cases were not reported to anyone.

Dukaj emphasized that digital transformation must be accompanied by strong mechanisms to protect children and their rights in the digital environment.

"I am convinced that through partnership with UNICEF and joint work of all relevant stakeholders, we will continue to strengthen the child protection system and build a safer digital environment for every child in Montenegro," said Dukaj.

Servadei emphasized that protecting children in the online space should be part of cybersecurity policies, but also of the education system, social and child protection, police, and services that work with children and families.

"Children today learn, socialize, and seek information online. That's why we must protect them online, just as seriously as we do in school, family, and community," Servadei pointed out.

According to him, protecting children online should be part of the new cybersecurity strategy and linked to the Strategy for the Prevention and Protection of Children from Violence and the reform of the education system, which the Government of Montenegro is implementing with the support of UNICEF and the European Union.

"UNICEF is ready to support the development of safe and child-friendly ways to report online violence, training for professionals working with children in this area, as well as media, digital and AI literacy for children, youth, parents and teachers," said Servadei.

Dukaj and Servadei assessed that protecting children in the digital space requires cooperation between state and local authorities, institutions, children, parents, teachers, civil society, the international community, the media, and the private sector, especially technology and telecommunications companies.

UNICEF will, as announced by the MPA, continue to support the efforts of the Government of Montenegro in strengthening the prevention of and response to violence against children, including violence in the digital environment.

"This support may include the development of policies and protocols, strengthening systems for reporting and referring children to support, training for professionals from different sectors, as well as campaigns and programs for parents, media, digital and AI literacy," the statement said.