A multi-year research initiative titled “Disrupting Harm” has revealed alarming statistics regarding the digital safety of minors in Macedonia. The study, a collaborative effort funded by Safe Online and implemented by ECPAT International, INTERPOL, and the UNICEF Office of Research and Forecasts – Innocenti, analyzed instances of abuse and sexual exploitation facilitated through technology. During the presentation of the findings, the UNICEF representative in Macedonia, Leslie Miller, confirmed that the report incorporates testimonies and reported cases gathered from diverse sources.
Data collection spanned families, professionals within the child protection sector, educational institutions, law enforcement, and the justice system. The central finding reported is that approximately one in ten children aged 12 to 17 in Macedonia experienced some form of sexual exploitation within the review period. The research underscores the pervasive nature of digital risks affecting adolescents.
By aggregating data from various protective networks, the study provides a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by youth in the digital sphere. The findings highlight the critical need for enhanced digital literacy programs and stronger cross-sectoral cooperation among national institutions to mitigate these threats. The report serves as a crucial resource for policymakers and advocates aiming to strengthen child safety measures in the face of evolving online dangers.
Topics: #macedonia #one #ten
