Need for proactive rather than reactive policies to protect children online – Miriam Dalli

“All EU Member States need to adopt a proactive approach in their fight against child online abuse to prevent more harm being done,” MEP Miriam Dalli said in a meeting with local stakeholders which are involved in combatting child exploitation and online abuse.

The meeting formed part of a wide consultation undertaken by Dr Dalli prior to her submission of various proposals and legislative amendments to the European Parliament on the implementation report on the directive which tackles child abuse and child exploitation online. Dalli is the Socialists & Democrats’ main spokesperson on this report. The stakeholders included the Office of the Commissioner for Children, Malta Communications Authority (MCA), representatives from the Cyber Crime Unit within the Malta Police Force, and Appoġġ.

“Parents, children and educators should have a frank discussion on risks associated with the use of internet. Stakeholders need to be empowered to be able to prevent more harm being done. We cannot just keep reacting after an abuse takes place as it would be too late. We need to introduce an adequate system which identifies potential perpetrators and give them the necessary help before more harm is done,” Miriam Dalli said.

The meeting between the relevant stakeholders and Dr Dalli focused on various aspects such as the need for more awareness, education, professional assistance, victims’ support, and the need for stronger legislation to deter this type of abuse. Proposals were also made to explore greater cooperation between organisations and law enforcement bodies to control and halt the distribution of such material.

Reference was also made to the latest trend of self-made material which is distributed by minors themselves. In this regard, Commissioner for Children Pauline Miceli argued that we need to “prevent future cases by creating more awareness on the fact that minors lose control when they forward such material to third parties. Children have a right to access the new technologies and to take advantage of the opportunities they offer; however, it is our duty to ensure that all the necessary structures are in place in order to protect them,” Commissioner Miceli concluded.

Children have a right to access the new technologies and to take advantage of the opportunities they offer; however, it is our duty to ensure that all the necessary structures are in place in order to protect them