Children face new dangers from social media and AI, Tunisia warns

Tunisia's Delegate General for Child Protection has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating risks children face from the pervasive use of digital networks and artificial intelligence. The official highlighted the dual nature of these technologies, which offer avenues for education and cultural exchange but also present new threats like cyberbullying and various forms of exploitation.

The warning, disseminated through a statement from the Ministry of Family, Women, Children, and Elderly, stressed that protecting children is a societal responsibility. It underscored the central role of families, working in tandem with state institutions that operate within a strict legal framework and through close inter-agency coordination.

Legal provisions are in place to safeguard children online. The statement reminded the public that processing children's personal data requires prior consent from a guardian and a family court judge, with violations subject to criminal prosecution. Similarly, children's participation in artistic endeavors is regulated to prevent endangerment to their health, dignity, or education.

The Delegate General clarified that these protective measures are not intended to isolate children or stifle their self-expression. Instead, they aim to establish safeguards against exploitation that could compromise a child's best interests, potentially leading to immediate or future psychological consequences. The emphasis remains on preventing any form of exploitation, whether within the family or externally, reinforcing the family's duty to provide comprehensive protection.