The Tunisian Association for the Defense of Children's Rights has called for an urgent review of media and digital mechanisms for handling child-related issues in Tunisia. On October 1, 2026, the association's president, Moez Sharif, emphasized the need to develop rights-based concepts related to childhood and provide parents with "parental education" programs to protect their children from all forms of violence, particularly psychological and digital violence.
Sharif criticized the way some media outlets and virtual platforms handled a recent case of a 15-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in Tunisia. He demanded better protection of children's personal data on social media and in all media and digital platforms, citing the negative psychological and social impacts on victims. The association's president noted that media coverage of child-related issues often focuses on sensational and defamatory reporting.
The current media approach to child-related issues can turn child victims into permanent "social stigma" projects, Sharif said. Despite children making up 30% of Tunisia's population, media content focused on childhood remains marginalized. Sharif stressed that protecting children is a comprehensive societal approach that involves all stakeholders, from early childhood to adolescents and young people.
Sharif warned of the increasing digital violence against children on social media, which fuels blatant violations by publishing their images and video clips. He emphasized the urgent need to protect the personal data of child victims to prevent long-term negative psychological effects. The association's president noted that it is unfair to place sole responsibility on families, as Tunisian families invest in their children in different ways that serve their best interests.
A 2025 study on "the cost of violence against children in Tunisia" by the Ministry of Family, Women, Childhood, and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Child Rights Observatory and supported by UNICEF, reported a record number of reports related to online violence against children. The study found over 124,000 cases in 2023, compared to around 66,000 reports in 2019.
The Tunisian Association for the Defense of Children's Rights is working to address these issues and promote child protection in Tunisia. Sharif's call for an urgent review of media and digital mechanisms for child protection highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex challenges facing children in Tunisia.
The association's efforts aim to ensure that children's rights are protected and respected in all aspects of life, including online and offline environments. By working together with all stakeholders, the association hopes to create a safer and more protective environment for children in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Tunisian Association for the Defense of Children's Rights has called for an urgent review of media and digital mechanisms for handling child-related issues in Tunisia.
- The association's president, Moez Sharif, emphasized the need to develop rights-based concepts related to childhood and provide parents with "parental education" programs to protect their children from violence.
- A 2025 study reported a record number of reports related to online violence against children in Tunisia, with over 124,000 cases in 2023.
