Tunisia's government has taken a significant step towards protecting children in the digital environment. Minister of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs, Asma Gabri, emphasized that safeguarding children from various online risks is a national priority. She made these remarks during the opening of the National Forum on Cyberbullying, which aims to create a safe digital environment for all children in Tunisia.
The forum, held under the theme "Towards a Safe Digital Environment for All Children in Tunisia," coincides with the International Day against Violence and Bullying in Schools, including cyberbullying. Minister Gabri stressed that protecting children requires a comprehensive approach that ensures their rights and provides a healthy and balanced upbringing. She highlighted that Tunisia's constitution, specifically Article 52, and the Child Protection Code enshrine the state's responsibility to provide protection to children without discrimination.
The digital environment has become an integral part of children's daily lives, offering opportunities for learning, knowledge, communication, creativity, and participation. However, it also poses risks that require necessary safeguards to protect children. Minister Gabri noted that cyberbullying is a form of violence that can affect a child's dignity, psychological well-being, and relationships. She emphasized that preventing and addressing cyberbullying requires a collective effort from families, institutions, and society as a whole.
The Ministry of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs is working on a national plan to prevent and address violence against children in the digital environment, set to be implemented by 2028. This plan aims to unify efforts, enhance coordination, and promote collective action to protect children. Minister Gabri also announced the development of a bill to protect children in the digital environment, which will ensure the involvement of various stakeholders in achieving this goal.
To support families and enhance their protective role, the Ministry has launched a national awareness campaign and produced educational materials to prevent early addiction to screens. Minister Gabri also announced a national exhibition of children's and youth productions, titled "Digital Comics against Cyberbullying," which will take place in Tunis from November 25 to 27, 2026.
The number of children serving as digital safety ambassadors in child-focused media centers has increased from 200 in 2025 to 500 in 2026. Minister Gabri emphasized the importance of involving children in promoting digital safety culture and responsible technology use. She concluded that the forum represents an opportunity for dialogue and experience-sharing among stakeholders, aiming to develop realistic and actionable proposals to ensure a safe digital environment for all Tunisian children.
Key points
- Tunisia's government has launched a national plan to protect children from cyberbullying and other online risks by 2028.
- A bill to protect children in the digital environment is being developed to ensure the involvement of various stakeholders.
- The Ministry of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs has launched a national awareness campaign to promote digital safety and responsible technology use among children.
