2026 Children’s Parliament Calls for Child Online Protection to Become a National Priority in Lesotho

The 2026 Children’s Parliament has brought together children’s representatives from across Lesotho to advocate for stronger online safety measures under the theme, “Making Child Online Protection a Policy Priority in Lesotho.” As internet access continues to grow across the country, children are increasingly benefiting from digital learning, communication and innovation while also facing new online risks. The annual gathering provides an important opportunity for young people to speak directly to national leaders about the challenges they encounter in the digital space and the solutions they believe should be implemented. By placing children at the centre of policy discussions, the Children’s Parliament reinforces the principle that young people should play an active role in decisions that affect their lives. The initiative reflects Lesotho’s growing commitment to building a safer and more inclusive digital future for every child.

The expansion of internet connectivity has created valuable opportunities for education, social interaction and access to information. However, it has also exposed children to a range of online threats that require urgent attention from governments, schools, parents and technology stakeholders. Cyberbullying, online grooming, sexual exploitation, hate speech and violations of personal privacy continue to pose serious risks to children’s wellbeing and development. Without effective safeguards, these dangers can undermine children’s confidence, mental health and ability to participate safely in digital environments. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policies that balance children’s right to access digital opportunities with their right to protection from online harm.

The theme of this year’s Children’s Parliament highlights the importance of making child online protection a national policy priority rather than treating it as a secondary issue. As Lesotho advances its digital transformation agenda, stronger legal frameworks, improved digital literacy and enhanced institutional capacity will be essential to creating a safer online environment. Effective child protection also depends on coordinated action among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, schools, internet service providers, civil society organisations and international development partners. Public awareness campaigns can help parents and caregivers better understand online risks while equipping children with the knowledge needed to use digital platforms responsibly. Together, these measures can help create a secure digital ecosystem that supports learning, creativity and innovation.

One of the defining features of the Children’s Parliament is its commitment to ensuring that children themselves help shape the policies designed to protect them. Young people often have first-hand experience of the opportunities and risks associated with digital technology, making their perspectives essential for effective policymaking. The Parliament provides a platform where children can openly discuss their concerns, share personal experiences and present practical recommendations to national decision-makers. This participatory approach strengthens democratic engagement while ensuring that policies reflect the realities children face in their daily lives. Listening to children’s voices also helps build trust between young citizens and the institutions responsible for safeguarding their rights.

The 2026 session is being led by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development with support from World Vision International Lesotho and UNICEF Lesotho. Their partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration in advancing child protection and promoting children’s rights in the digital age. The event brings together Members of Parliament, policymakers, regulators, educators, civil society organisations and development partners to engage directly with children’s representatives. These discussions create opportunities for stakeholders to better understand the challenges facing young internet users while identifying practical solutions that can be implemented at national and community levels. The involvement of multiple sectors reinforces the understanding that child online protection is a shared responsibility.

His Royal Highness Prince Lerotholi Seeiso officially opened the 2026 Children’s Parliament and delivered a strong message about the importance of protecting children in an increasingly digital society. He emphasised that safeguarding children online is not only a matter of protection but also a key requirement for inclusive digital development and public trust in emerging technologies. According to His Royal Highness, as Lesotho continues to embrace digital transformation, child online protection must become a central policy priority rather than an afterthought. He further stressed that investing in children’s online safety today represents an investment in the country’s future digital citizens and its long-term sustainable development. His remarks reinforced the urgency of placing children’s wellbeing at the heart of national digital strategies.

Digital literacy emerged as another critical area of focus during the discussions. Equipping children with the skills to identify online threats, protect their personal information and report harmful behaviour can significantly reduce their vulnerability. At the same time, teachers and parents require training to guide children in navigating the internet safely and responsibly. Schools also have an important role in integrating online safety education into learning programmes so that digital citizenship becomes part of every child’s educational journey. Building these skills from an early age will help children make informed decisions as technology continues to evolve.

The 2026 Children’s Parliament demonstrates Lesotho’s determination to ensure that every child can safely participate in the digital world while enjoying the many benefits that technology offers. By bringing children’s voices directly into national policymaking, the initiative helps shape stronger laws, better education programmes and more effective child protection systems. The collaboration between government, development partners, educators and civil society provides a solid foundation for creating a safer online environment for future generations. As Lesotho continues its digital transformation, prioritising child online protection will remain essential for promoting inclusion, trust and sustainable development. Through meaningful dialogue and decisive action, the Children’s Parliament is helping build a future where every child in Lesotho can learn, connect and thrive safely in the digital age.