Unicef, GP, Telenor for child-safe internet

Unicef, Grameenphone and Telenor Group yesterday joined hands to create opportunities for a meaningful and safer digital participation for the young population in Bangladesh.

Under the signed agreement, the three will launch a specially designed “Child Online Safety” programme.

The programme titled, “Enhancing and scaling child online protection in Bangladesh and engaging adolescents as agents of change”, is designed to directly engage and empower 400,000 children aged between 11 and 16 years and sensitise 50,000 parents, guardians and teachers on how to facilitate a safer internet experience.

Additionally, the Child Helpline hotline (1098) services will be expanded to incorporate online safety issues for children.

Unicef Bangladesh Representative Edouard Beigbeder and Grameenphone CEO Michael Foley signed the agreement at an event in Dhaka.

Grameenphone and Telenor Group have chosen “Child Online Safety” as part of their global activities to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 regarding “Reducing Inequalities”.

The Grameenphone CEO said, “This partnership with Unicef collectively demonstrates how our passion and commitment can make a significant difference in creating safe learning opportunities for the children and significantly enhance their capacity to access the world of information confidently."

Unicef's Edouard Beigbeder said growing online activity by adolescents presents an incredible opportunity for them and triggers their active participation in ensuring their rights.

“However, internet use is also associated with a unique set of challenges and risks for children and adolescents. We, therefore, urgently need to protect our children and adolescents from harmful effects while increasing their online accessibility on an equitable basis,” he added.