This report investigates children's and caregivers' perspectives on digital safety, online risks, and privacy to inform global policy debates. Conducted by ECPAT International, Eurochild, and Terre des Hommes Netherlands on behalf of the Down to Zero Alliance, the study examines how children navigate online spaces, use safety features, and perceive risks like cyberbullying and sexual exploitation. Findings point to a significant gap between children's self-protection mechanisms and caregiver perceptions, with children viewing privacy and safety as deeply interlinked.
The report emphasises the necessity of safety-by-design, accessible reporting tools, and meaningful child participation in shaping digital protection policies. The study was carried out as part of the VOICE project, which was designed to listen, to understand, and bring the views of children and caregivers into the policy debate around safety standards and policies in digital environments.
Methodology
Qualitative data was gathered from 483 children (aged 11–17; 53% girls, 44.7% boys, 2.3% non-binary; average age 14.5) across 15 countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America through focus group discussions. Primary quantitative data was collected from 6,618 caregivers across target countries via the survey firm Savanta.
Country or region of researched population
Netherlands
Citation
ECPAT International, Eurochild, & Terre des Hommes Netherlands. (2024). Speaking up for change: Children's and caregivers' voices for safer online experiences. Terre des Hommes Netherlands. https://int.terredeshommes.nl/uploads/acb882ea-1712224378-voice_report_08042024.pdf
Record created:
04 August 2026
This report investigates children's and caregivers' perspectives on digital safety, online risks, and privacy to inform global policy debates. Conducted by ECPAT International, Eurochild, and Terre des Hommes Netherlands on behalf of the Down to Zero Alliance, the study examines how children navigate online spaces, use safety features, and perceive risks like cyberbullying and sexual exploitation. Findings point to a significant gap between children's self-protection mechanisms and caregiver perceptions, with children viewing privacy and safety as deeply interlinked.
The report emphasises the necessity of safety-by-design, accessible reporting tools, and meaningful child participation in shaping digital protection policies. The study was carried out as part of the VOICE project, which was designed to listen, to understand, and bring the views of children and caregivers into the policy debate around safety standards and policies in digital environments.
Methodology
Qualitative data was gathered from 483 children (aged 11–17; 53% girls, 44.7% boys, 2.3% non-binary; average age 14.5) across 15 countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America through focus group discussions. Primary quantitative data was collected from 6,618 caregivers across target countries via the survey firm Savanta.
Country or region of researched population
Netherlands
Citation
ECPAT International, Eurochild, & Terre des Hommes Netherlands. (2024). Speaking up for change: Children's and caregivers' voices for safer online experiences. Terre des Hommes Netherlands. https://int.terredeshommes.nl/uploads/acb882ea-1712224378-voice_report_08042024.pdf
Record created:
04 August 2026- child sexual exploitation (CSE) online safety online rights awareness parents caregivers
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