Government asked to protect physical, mental and moral integrity of children

Ombudswoman for children's rights Tamara Plamadeala calls on the Government of Moldova to immediately take measures to protect the physical, mental and moral integrity of the children and to combat child pornography, violence and harassment of minors, Info-Prim Neo reports. The ombudswoman says the children should be sensitized to the possible forms of abuse and the importance of the private life on the Internet. “Therefore, a campaign is needed to inform the parents and the teachers so as to narrow the technology gap between generations,” she said. The children must be taught not to provide personal data about them and their parents, be careful when communicating over the Internet, not to send photos to persons they don't know, not to meet persons with whom they communicate over the Internet, or if they want to they should be accompanied by friends. Tamara Plamadeala urges the parents to talk openly with their children about the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet environment and to lay down rules as to what the minor can do and cannot do over the Internet. The police and the organizations that fight aggressive behavior on the Internet should be informed about cases when the children are exposed to risks so that they could take steps. Recent studies show 46% of the children give information about them (pictures, phone numbers) to persons they don't know over the Internet, while 71% receive messages from persons they don't know. More than 50 countries, including Moldova, celebrate the Safer Internet Day on February 10 to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world.