Children and young people across Asia are growing up in a rapidly digitalizing world. Online platforms shape how they learn, play, connect, and raise their voices. Yet these same spaces expose them to serious and evolving risks – including online sexual abuse and exploitation, cyberbullying, algorithmic harms, data misuse, discrimination, and exclusion.

These harms are not inevitable. They reflect systems, designs, and policies that fail to uphold children’s rights in the digital environment.

As members of Asia Joining Forces, we call on ASEAN Member States, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, national governments, technology and telecommunications companies, educators, and social institutions to uphold their obligations to children and take urgent, coordinated action:

• Uphold children’s rights online – including protection, privacy, participation, and non-discrimination – in all digital policies, products, and services.
• Strengthen national and regional frameworks to prevent online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and address the full spectrum of digital harms.
• Ensure accountability in platform and product design, including safer default settings, child-friendly terms of service, and age-appropriate systems aligned with global standards.
• Invest in digital literacy, child participation, and community-based support, with priority for children in vulnerable and marginalized contexts.
• Commit to dedicated and sustained budget allocations to ensure real accountability and long-term progress toward a safer digital environment for children
• Protect children’s data and digital footprints through ethical standards, transparency, and robust regulation.
• Embed children’s meaningful participation in all decision-making processes – from ASEAN ICT forums to national policy development and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

The digital environment must enable children to thrive – not place them at risk.

As partners in this regional movement, we urge all stakeholders to act with urgency and solidarity. Asia’s children deserve digital spaces that are safer, more inclusive, and grounded in their rights. The future cannot wait. Together we call for a #SaferOnlineAsia!

ChildFund International, Plan International, Save the Children International, SOS Children’s Villages International, Terre des Hommes International Federation, World Vision International, and Child Rights Coalition Asia came together in 2018 under the banner of “Asia Joining Forces” to leverage their collective strength to accelerate progress in securing children’s rights and ending violence against children.