Tech Policy Press’ Post

I came across this article that highlighted some concerning statistics from a 2023 study in India: 1. Only 30% of children, 35% of parents, and 26% of educators are aware of digital safety. 2. Only 3% of parents in India use techniques to ensure safe online experiences for their children. It is alarming to see that, in comparison to other countries, the most vulnerable populations in one of the world's largest digital markets still lack the necessary protection. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness and education on digital safety for children in India.

Around two years ago, I became aware of a piece of legislation that required counsellors who work with adoption specific issues to be registered with Ofsted as an Adoption Support Agency (ASA). Not only is this a costly route with poor signposting, which means many lower income counsellors would be priced out of this pathway, but no other area of counselling holds the same requirements. Unfortunately, as an adult adoptee, this legislation also saw my own counselling terminated whilst my counsellor sought clarity from Ofsted over vague and confusing guidelines. I found myself in the contradictory position of being deemed capable of counselling my own clients, yet incapable of choosing my own counsellor due to a lack of Ofsted registered counsellors in the local area. As the weeks and months went on, I talked about the issue at length, eventually catching the attention of Ofsted after I lamented the vague nature of guidelines and the way that the legislation brushed against so much that I stood for as a counsellor. Ofsted invited me to a meeting for a discussion where I was able to explain my objection to the legislation. I was told of an upcoming consultation, and in early 2023 I was invited to offer my views in both a personal and professional consultation. Yesterday, the Government published the results of the consultation. Ofsted will be withdrawing from the involvement with counselling for adult adoptees, with the BACP already having plans to offer CPD for counsellors to learn more about working with adoption related issues. Whilst adoption can often be a difficult issue to work with, I remain confident that, with both education on the subject and a commitment to moving into the client's frame of reference, we'll find a wealth of counsellors able to provide the support that so many adult adoptees have been unable to access. The changes are expected to be in place by the end of the year. To everyone who listened, to everyone who contributed and to every person who supported the need for change, thank you https://lnkd.in/e3uKmZee

In 2023, the number of #seniors aged 65 and above living alone increased significantly to 78,135, up from 58,000 in 2018. Among those who are married, some may have children who have migrated abroad or live separately from their parents. Additionally, many seniors express their desire to live independently.   With these trends, the question arises: who will take care of seniors, and where will they go?   Hear from Dr Sheena Ramazanu شينا رمضانو PhD, FRSPH, CGNC as she sheds light on the need for a comprehensive approach to eldercare in Singapore and the role of technology in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gnfQKTX3 #NUS #NUSPublicHealth #publichealth #SSHSPH #Singapore

Its encouraging to see examples of responsive and accountable governance. The US Congress takes a proactive role in ensuring there is safety and at peast promotion of child rights and safety online. The Senate Judiciary Committee has brought together tech bosses to testify on online child safety and the list includes recently appointed X (formerly Twitter) CEO Ms Linda Yaccarino. In such an information age and accelerated tech developments its encouraging to hear tech experts like Mark Zuckerbeg agreeing that “tech makes parenting more complicated” but are working on “putting systems and defences” in place to make sure children are safe online. While we still struggle with issues likes child marriages and access to education, governments in the Global South can do more to ensure not only children but every online users are safe and that we work to reduce the impact of mis- and disinformation. #medialiteracy

Friends, 2023 has been nothing short of hopeful. We hope you are taking time to reflect on this year’s wins and encouraging moments, as we are. Here are a few things that happened this year… • California took action to eliminate the unlicensed adoption facilitators program through the passage of AB-120, joining 31 other states in prohibiting unlicensed entities from providing adoption services. • HR 6220, the ADOPT Act, was introduced in the House by Rep. Kuster, Rep. Lamborn, and Rep. Aderholt. This landmark legislation aims to prohibit unlicensed intermediaries from providing adoption services in interstate cases. • HR 6700, the Adoption Counts Act, was introduced in the House by Rep. Lamborn. This legislation would require the Children's Bureau to collect and maintain data for all private adoptions. This hasn't been done since the 70s! • AdoptChange.org was launched after three years of development by Ethical Family Building. The site features a searchable database of every private domestic adoption professional in the United States, interactive state law maps, and opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts around the country. We wish you all a happy new year, filled with joy, rest, and most of all, hope. See you in 2024! ✨ #privateadoption #adoptchange #domesticadoption #adoptionfield #adoptionprofessionals

The OECD has released the latest of its digital economy papers. This one is a comparative analysis of how different governments are implementing "digital safety-by-design" principles to keep children safe online. "Child rights advocates, parents, governments, and children themselves are increasingly calling for digital safety by design, so that children can be protected online, and also benefit from positive digital experiences. However, the exact meaning of digital safety by design can be unclear. This report explores the concept, considering how it is addressed at international and national levels." https://lnkd.in/gnnfR3_u Teresa Scassa Pina D'Agostino Michael Geist Vance Lockton

We are happy to announce the publication of the Recommended Model Forms for use under the 1993 Adoption Convention! The Model Forms are intended to simplify and facilitate compliance with the 1993 Adoption Convention by assisting Contracting Parties in the collection of relevant information. They contain important information regarding safeguards established by the 1993 Adoption Convention, such as the consent of persons, institutions, and authorities in the process of adoption (Art. 4(c) and (d)), the adoptability of the child (Art. 16) and the eligibility and suitability of prospective adoptive parents (Art. 15). For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/4bS5y8L #HCCH #privateinternationallaw #internationallaw #internationalfamilylaw #adoption

An important conversation is happening about how upcoming changes to parental consent laws could affect the way young people in India interact with the internet. To ensure that these regulations truly reflect the diverse views of both parents and children, a new survey has been launched by the Young Leaders for Active Citizenship and Youth Ki Awaaz. I encourage you to lend your voice to this crucial discussion by participating in the survey and sharing it with your network. Your insights will help shape a digital landscape that is both safe and supportive for the next generation. https://lnkd.in/gKMrQ_R6 #DigitalIndia #YouthEmpowerment #InternetSafety #ParentalConsent

A missing child is not just a statistic but a young life with hopes, dreams and loved ones waiting for their return. International Missing Children’s Day aims at raising awareness about the harrowing issue of missing children around the world. This day is not only about remembering those who are missing but also about shedding a light on the critical challenges faced by their families. Annually, thousands of children go missing due to international parental abduction which occurs when a child is taken to another country by one parent without the consent of the other parent. The emotional and psychological impact on children abducted by a parent is profound. Research shows that they often experience confusion, anxiety, and a sense of loss as they are uprooted from their familiar environment, school, friends, and the parent left behind. These children may face long-term psychological challenges due to the abrupt change and the often-contentious environment surrounding their abduction. For the left-behind parents, the pain is equally intense. They are thrust into a complex legal and bureaucratic battle that spans borders and legal systems. The journey to bring their child home can be fraught with delays, financial strain, and emotional turmoil, often requiring the left-behind parent to navigate unfamiliar legal systems and language barriers. International treaties, such as the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, aim to protect children from international abduction by providing a legal framework for their prompt return. However, not all countries are signatories, and even among those that are, enforcement can vary significantly. Awareness and education are crucial in combating international parental abduction. There needs to be better support (legal, emotional, financial) for affected families, the international treaties should be applied much stricter and prompter and there should be better awareness among the legal practitioners, not only about the treaties themselves, but also about the devastating effects that international child abduction has on its victims. #InternationalMissingChildrensDay #EndParentalAbduction #HCCH #InternationalChildAbduction #InternationalParentalAbduction #ParentalAlienation #ChildProtection #FamilyReunification #1980HagueConvention #IMCD #IMCD2024 #missingchildrensday

RCI’s latest article on family reintegration of children at transport terminals and within communities, published on the national platform of IACN, emphasizes the significance of family care over institutional care. It underscores how an intensive case management process can significantly reduce the risk of unnecessary separations. The knowledge we have gained through our intensive work with families has been instrumental in shaping our case management approach and identifying key priority areas to build a robust family safety net. Our efforts gained momentum with our compassionate team of Care Leavers, working as Community Mobilizers, Transport Terminal Outreach Workers, and Case Workers. These Care Leavers work directly with families and children, recognizing the crucial importance of family unity and the negative consequences of unnecessary separation. IACN 15th edition newsletter https://lnkd.in/gi8xNgNc