This report aims to provide an overview of legal and policy actions taken by governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and beneficial digital environment for children. It analyses new and emerging risks since the adoption of the 2012 OECD Council Recommendation on the Protection of Children Online (hereafter the “OECD Recommendation”) [OECD/LEGAL/0389], and the changing nature of previously existing risks. The report serves to inform the review of the OECD Recommendation to bring it into line with the current (and anticipated future) needs of children in a digital environment.
Methodology
The report uses a mixed‑methods, cross‑national analytical approach combining quantitative indicators with qualitative policy analysis. It draws on international datasets (ICT access statistics, online risk surveys, education and well‑being indicators) and integrates them with comparative reviews of national legislation, regulatory frameworks, and platform governance practices across OECD countries. The methodology includes case studies, expert consultations, and cross‑country comparisons to identify systemic trends, gaps, and effective policy responses.
Citation
OECD (2020), “Protecting children online: An overview of recent developments in legal frameworks and policies”, OECD Digital Economy Papers, No. 295, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9e0e49a9-en.
Record created:
15 September 2026
This report aims to provide an overview of legal and policy actions taken by governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and beneficial digital environment for children. It analyses new and emerging risks since the adoption of the 2012 OECD Council Recommendation on the Protection of Children Online (hereafter the “OECD Recommendation”) [OECD/LEGAL/0389], and the changing nature of previously existing risks. The report serves to inform the review of the OECD Recommendation to bring it into line with the current (and anticipated future) needs of children in a digital environment.
Methodology
The report uses a mixed‑methods, cross‑national analytical approach combining quantitative indicators with qualitative policy analysis. It draws on international datasets (ICT access statistics, online risk surveys, education and well‑being indicators) and integrates them with comparative reviews of national legislation, regulatory frameworks, and platform governance practices across OECD countries. The methodology includes case studies, expert consultations, and cross‑country comparisons to identify systemic trends, gaps, and effective policy responses.
Citation
OECD (2020), “Protecting children online: An overview of recent developments in legal frameworks and policies”, OECD Digital Economy Papers, No. 295, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9e0e49a9-en.
Record created:
15 September 2026- cyberbullying risks online harmful content digital literacy school online safety
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