Every day, millions of children face the dangers of online exploitation. Statistics reveal that 1 in 5 children is impacted by online abuse—a staggering reality with long-term effects on mental health, development, and future opportunities. The Global Strategic Response is our call to action: a coordinated, multi-sector approach that provides government leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders with a clear, practical framework to protect children from online exploitation.
A proven framework for policy leaders
The Global Strategic Response breaks down into six core themes and 26 actionable capabilities that provide a structured, results-driven approach to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. This response goes beyond policy; it’s a roadmap for leaders to implement practical, measurable actions to protect children and mobilize resources on a global scale.
Key strategic areas
- Strengthening policy frameworks: Support for national and international policies that place child safety at the core of digital strategy.
- Enhancing data collection and sharing: Improved data practices allow for informed decision-making, targeting interventions that work.
- Empowering communities: Educating children, parents, and educators on online risks and prevention strategies.
- Fostering partnerships: Building coalitions among governments, tech companies, NGOs, and law enforcement to address child sexual exploitation and abuse collectively.
- Promoting technological innovation: Advocating for tools that prioritize child safety in digital spaces.
Actionable capabilities
Each of the six themes comes with specific, actionable capabilities—practical tools that make it easy for agencies and organisations to adapt the Global Strategic Response to their expertise and needs. From increasing global awareness to setting concrete prevention and response tactics, the Global Strategic Response offers scalable solutions with clear, intended outcomes for measurable impact.
Foundational cross-cutting principles
The Global Strategic Response promotes several foundational principles that elevate each theme and capability, ensuring a comprehensive, collaborative approach:
- Comprehensive capacity building: A cross-sector model encouraging national and international collaboration for lasting expertise.
- Leadership and frontline training: Specialised training for policymakers and field workers ensures the effective implementation of Global Strategic Response strategies.
- Evidence and accountability: Ongoing monitoring and evaluation underscore the importance of data-driven action and transparency.
A holistic and complementary approach
The Global Strategic Response aligns seamlessly with frameworks like INSPIRE, a WHO-endorsed initiative to prevent violence against children, adding focused strategies to meet the unique challenges of child sexual exploitation and abuse online. This integrated approach allows agencies to adopt a cohesive framework that addresses both online and offline abuse.
Who benefits from the Global Strategic Response?
The Global Strategic Response is designed for leaders and practitioners across sectors, including:
- Criminal justice and law enforcement decision-makers
- Child protection organisations (both governmental and non-governmental)
- Education providers working to protect children online
- Civil society organisations supporting children
- Media organisations promoting child safety awareness
- Technology companies and related industries
- Academic institutions and think tanks researching online solutions
By adopting the Global Strategic Response, you join a network of global leaders committed to creating a safer digital future for children. Together, we can take decisive action, shaping a world where online exploitation is no longer a threat to childhood.
Implementation guides
This guidance aims to support practitioners and decision-makers across the globe to reach the outcomes outlined in the Global Strategic Response to eliminate child sexual exploitation and abuse online.