Ashraf AboArafe
Marking the International Day of the Girl Child; under the auspices of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), “AmaniDotCom” campaign is launched to protect girls and children from online violence in cooperation with UNICEF, and with funding from the European Union (EU).
The first phase of the campaign aims to raise the awareness amongst children, parents and caregivers about the need to protect children and young people from new threats they may face in the online world, including their exposure to harmful content and abuse, in addition to providing means to report these crimes, which is the Child Helpline 16000.
“Today, together with partners, we launch ‘Amani Dot Com’ campaign to address protecting children and young people in the cyber space. Exposure to violence is a matter of great concern; given the nature of unlimited access to online content, in addition to the lack of awareness among adults and children about the dangers of the Internet. It is our collective responsibility to keep children and young people safe online. We count on the contributions of all our partners and the online industry to enhance and avail the safety features and new tools to young people, families and caregivers to be able to use the internet safely,” stated Dr. Sahar El Sonbaty, Secretary General of NCCM.
“Egypt has around 54.74 million internet users with 42 million users on social platforms among them 12 million users are between the age of (13-21) years old. In this regard, I urge families and caregivers to follow up on children while they are on the Internet, as this has become a necessity and responsibility in light of the tremendous expansion in the internet world, which has become limitless,” she added. 
In addition, Al Sonbaty stated “I encourage parents to call the Child Helpline “16000” to obtain advice for dealing with such situations facing children, and to report when children are exposed to any danger or exploitation via the Internet. The Council provides this free service over the helpline or through WhatsApp application on 01102121600, confirming the confidentiality of caller data and confirming receiving inquiries and complaints from children and adults alike.”
“The European Union is very proud to be part of this campaign that is being launched in the framework of the strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt to strengthen child protection and support girls and boys who have been subjected to violence. We have worked together with Egypt for many years and we are committed to continue supporting all efforts to end violence against children, in particular gender-based violence,” said Christian Berger, Ambassador of the EU to Egypt.
Ambassador Berger added, “The EU has been supporting successful awareness campaigns that promote efforts that help address violence against children, in particular the ‘Awladna Campaign’ with focus on bullying and positive parenting. I am proud that through these campaigns, many girls and boys have become more aware of their rights, and that they can express themselves and reach out for support.”
“‘Amani Dot Com’ is an important addition to our efforts to promote a safer internet environment for girls and boys. Indeed, we need to ensure a positive digital experience for children and youth, especially under the increasing pressure by the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope that the new campaign will help young people to become better informed, more engaged, and stay safe online,” he concluded.
“With COVID-19 preventative measures came a huge increase in screen time for children and young people. They are exposed to a wide array of devices while many of them are lacking the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to keep themselves safe online. More and more children are at risk of cyberbullying and sexual exploitation. There is an urgent need to come together as government, international entities, civil society and business community along with families and caregivers to address these risks and to increase children’s access to safe and quality online content,” said Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt. 
The first phase of ‘Amani Dot com’ campaign will be launched on the digital platforms of NCCM, UNICEF and the EU, providing informative content to children and caregivers promoting online protection. The campaign uses the hashtag #AmaniDotCom promoting tips to help children, youth and families have safe online surfing. More interventions will follow including digital learning camps to empower young people and raise their capabilities.
