The 15th Internet Governance Forum in Benin, held on September 19, 2026, gathered experts from various fields to address the pressing issue of protecting children in the online environment. As the internet becomes increasingly integral to daily life, concerns about its impact on children have grown. The forum, which has been organized annually since 2012, provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and find solutions to pressing issues in Benin's digital ecosystem.
This year's forum focused on the theme "Family, School, State: Working Together to Protect Children Online." The discussions highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to mitigate the risks associated with children's use of the internet. Participants emphasized that protecting children online requires a shared responsibility among families, schools, and government institutions. The goal is to create a safe and responsible digital environment that allows children to benefit from the opportunities offered by technology.
The forum addressed various risks associated with excessive or early exposure to the internet, as well as the respective responsibilities of families, schools, and government institutions. Kossi Amessinou, former vice-president of the forum, stressed the importance of finding a balance in internet usage. He noted that while technology has transformed daily life, excessive use can lead to negative consequences that need to be addressed.
Amessinou emphasized the need for a balance between education, leisure, learning, and online time. Olafèmiwa Okanla, President of the Benin-based association Les Pros de la Com, also highlighted the importance of guidance and supervision when children access the internet. She noted that the internet is a valuable tool for learning and growth, but it requires careful monitoring and regulation.
Okanla advised parents to provide recommendations, guidelines, and oversight when giving children access to computers or phones for research. She emphasized that protecting children online is a collective responsibility that cannot be shouldered by a single entity. The forum's discussions underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to protecting children in the digital environment.
The 15th Internet Governance Forum in Benin brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including digital experts, communication specialists, artificial intelligence professionals, jurists, content creators, and parents. The event provided a valuable opportunity for these stakeholders to share perspectives and work towards finding solutions to the challenges of protecting children online.
The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of strategies and policies aimed at promoting a safe and responsible digital environment for children in Benin. By working together, families, schools, and government institutions can help mitigate the risks associated with children's use of the internet and ensure that they benefit from the opportunities offered by technology.
Key points
- The 15th Internet Governance Forum in Benin emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to protecting children online, involving families, schools, and government institutions.
