SUMMARY OF THE 2025 ASEAN ICT FORUM ON CHILD ONLINE PROTECTION

MSCP
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A Regional Gathering for Digital Safety

The 2025 ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 18 to 20 November 2025. The forum was hosted by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM). It brought together representatives from ASEAN countries, including government officials, law enforcement officers, educators, child protection experts, technology companies, civil society organisations, and international partners. The main goal of the forum was to strengthen regional cooperation to better protect children in the online world.

Navigating Risks in the Digital Age

As digital technology becomes a bigger part of children’s daily lives, the forum highlighted both the benefits and the risks of being online. Children today use the internet for learning, communication, entertainment, and social connection. However, they also face serious online dangers such as cyberbullying, online grooming, sexual exploitation, harmful content, privacy risks, and the misuse of new technologies like artificial intelligence. Speakers stressed that protecting children online is an urgent and shared responsibility across ASEAN.

Sharing Policies and Best Practices

During the three-day forum, participants took part in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops. These sessions focused on current and emerging online threats to children and practical ways to address them. ASEAN Member States shared their national policies, laws, and programmes related to child online protection. Good practices were discussed, including public awareness campaigns, reporting systems for online abuse, and cooperation between governments and technology companies to improve online safety tools.

Strengthening Law Enforcement Response

Law enforcement discussions focused on how countries can work together to investigate online crimes against children, especially cases that cross national borders. Emphasis was placed on using child-friendly and victim-centred approaches when handling cases of online abuse and exploitation. Participants also discussed the importance of training professionals to better respond to digital crimes involving children.

The Role of Families, Schools, and Youth

Another key focus of the forum was the role of parents, caregivers, teachers, and schools. Speakers highlighted the need to improve digital literacy so that adults can guide and support children in using the internet safely. Sessions encouraged open communication within families and schools, helping children to understand online risks and to develop skills such as critical thinking, self-protection, and responsible online behaviour. Children and young people’s voices were also included, recognising that they should have a say in decisions that affect their online lives.

A Unified Commitment to the Future

The forum concluded with a strong call for continued cooperation among ASEAN countries. Participants agreed on the need for stronger partnerships, shared standards, and long-term investment in prevention, education, and support services. Overall, the 2025 ASEAN ICT Forum reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to ensuring that digital progress benefits children while keeping them safe, protected, and respected online.