Today, ensuring the safety of young people in the online space has become a pressing issue worldwide. Social media platforms offer numerous positive opportunities, including the ability to make new friends, form interest-based communities, and pursue entrepreneurial initiatives.
At the same time, these platforms can also expose users to risks such as cyberbullying.
Opening remarks were delivered by Nozima Davletova, Head of the Department for Information and Analytical Support of Foreign Policy and the Expansion of Foreign Economic Cooperation of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Simon Milner, Vice President for Public Policy for the Asia-Pacific Region at Meta; and Akromjon Fazilov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media.
In his address, Simon Milner emphasized that Meta is working with countries around the world to enhance the safety of youth and adolescents.
“According to available data, around three billion people use social media every day. In Uzbekistan alone, this figure is 10 million. As such, online safety has become a significant global concern. Our company is engaged in dialogue with several countries to address this issue,” said the Meta Vice President.
Participants of the event discussed the conditions necessary for nurturing a culture of safe social media use among young people. In particular, Dr. Priyanka Bhalla, Head of Safety Policy for Meta in the Asia-Pacific Region, presented updates introduced by the company to improve the safety of teenagers on Instagram.
During the panel discussion held as part of the event, participants—including representatives of the public sector, international organizations, and civil society—shared their views on the opportunities offered by the digital space, the associated risks, and strategies for minimizing their impact. Special attention was given to the role of parents in educating their children on the proper use of social media.
Speakers emphasized that addressing online safety issues effectively requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach in which government institutions, civil society, businesses, the education sector, and parents work collaboratively.
