Search Results for: children – Page 5

As of April 2020, Covid-19 had led at least 188 country-wide school closures, impacting more than 90% of the world’s student population. Following these mass closures, many children’s learning experiences began being reshaped by the sudden introduction of remote learning, including – where available – technology and virtual platforms as a substitute for the classroom and schoolyard. Similarly, online games, social media and video chat programs are providing opportunities for children to connect with and play with their friends, parents and relatives while in isolation.

While increased online activity supports children’s learning, socialization and play, but also puts them at heightened risk. Such risks include online harms such as sexual exploitation and cyberbullying. Not all risks will translate into actual harm, but children facing other issues in their lives may be more vulnerable. For instance, it is widely well-established that cyberbullying is a major concern among teenagers and has wide-ranging, negative impacts. With many children suddenly experiencing extended periods of unstructured time online and grappling with mounting sources of stress, cyberbullying could proliferate.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development contains a bold, ambitious and clear call to eliminate violence against children. This provides a unique opportunity to catalyse action that builds safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments for every child. We all have the power and responsibility to act.

Every child has the right to health, education and protection, and every society has a stake in expanding children’s opportunities in life. Yet, around the world, millions of children are denied a fair chance for no reason other than the country, gender or circumstances into which they are born. The State of the World’s Children 2016 argues that progress for the most disadvantaged children is not only a moral, but also a strategic imperative. Stakeholders have a clear choice to make: invest in accelerated progress for the children being left behind, or face the consequences of a far more divided world by 2030. This UNICEF report concludes with a set of recommendations to help chart the course towards a more equitable world.