On 1 June, countries worldwide mark the International Day for the Protection of Children, a timely occasion to strengthen our commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and wellbeing. This important occasion serves as a reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.

Today, as children engage online more than ever, protecting them from digital risks is a growing challenge. We must remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring that both our legal frameworks, the treaties and effective mechanisms that function in synergy, such as the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No. 201, Lanzarote Convention) and the Convention on Cybercrime (ETS No. 185, Budapest Convention), and our social practices keep pace with the rapid changes brought by technology.

Cyberviolence, including cyberbullying and online exploitation, threatens the safety and development of young people. In response, the Cyberviolence against children resource, part of the Cyberviolence platform initiated under the Octopus Project of the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Division, serves as a helpful tool. It brings together the latest information on international and domestic laws, initiatives, policies, strategies, and relevant case law focused on keeping children safe online.

On this important day, we encourage everyone to join us in promoting and protecting children’s rights in all environments. By joining forces, we can help create safer spaces where all children are able to grow and thrive.

Let us work together to ensure that every day, not just 1June, is a day for the protection of children!