Shaping The Child Safeguarding landscape around the world

The Child Safeguarding Landscape

Across the globe, new challenges and promising initiatives are shaping the child safeguarding landscape. From Pacific Island communities to European courtrooms and Australian childcare centres, efforts to protect children are evolving rapidly. Today, we highlight 10 of the most impactful and inspiring child protection stories currently making headlines around the world.

1. A Rising Tide of Violence in the Pacific Islands

Save the Children has issued an urgent call to action following a disturbing rise in violence against children across Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Tonga. Reports of physical abuse, emotional neglect, and domestic hardship are increasing, underscoring the need for culturally tailored support systems and long-term prevention strategies.

2. India Pioneers DNA-Based Child Reunification

In Punjab, “Project JeevanJyot 2.0” led to the rescue of 18 children forced into street begging. Uniquely, DNA testing was used to confirm familial relationships before reunification—marking a progressive milestone in child protection services and setting a new national precedent.

3. Australia’s Childcare Sector Faces Daycare Abuse Fallout

Following serious abuse allegations against a NSW daycare worker, nearly 800 kindergarten children underwent health testing and temporary quarantine. The case has sparked a national debate about recruitment safeguards and highlighted gaps in childcare centre oversight.

4. A National Childcare Registry For Child Safeguarding Australia

In response to growing public concern about Child Safeguarding, Australian policymakers are pushing for a national Working With Children Check (WWCC) registry. This would create a unified, transparent system to ensure consistent background checks and screening across all childcare providers.

5. Europe Pilots Age-Verification Tech for Online Safety

Five EU countries—France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece—are now trialling a new age-verification app as part of the EU Digital Services Act. The initiative is designed to protect children from exposure to age-inappropriate and harmful online content.

6. AI Forum Responds to Explosion in Online Child Abuse Content

Australia recently convened a national roundtable to address a dramatic surge in AI-generated child sexual abuse material—up 1,300% in just one year. Experts are exploring tools like deepfake detection, ethical AI guidelines, and facial recognition as part of a broader response.

7. UK’s Online Safety Act Comes Into Effect

From July 25, the UK’s new Online Safety Act is legally enforceable. Platforms must now conduct risk assessments, enforce robust age-verification, and embed “safety-by-design” principles to prevent online harm to children. Failure to comply could result in multi-million-pound fines.

8. Celebrating Child Protection Workers Around the World

On July 7, UNICEF and partners marked World Child Protection Professionals Day. In Vietnam and beyond, the message was clear: timely, trained response systems are critical to shielding vulnerable children—especially in conflict zones like Sudan and Syria.

9. ISO Releases Global Standard for Child-Friendly Justice

In March 2025, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published its first-ever global guidelines for trauma-informed, child-friendly justice systems. The new framework supports professionals in delivering sensitive legal, medical, and social care services to children.

10. FIFA Launches Safeguarding Toolkit for Youth Football

FIFA has released a new Child Safeguarding Toolkit that outlines five core pillars to help clubs and national federations create safer environments in football. From awareness training to case management protocols, this initiative is a positive step toward safeguarding in youth sport.

A Global Commitment to Protection

From legislative changes and AI regulation to direct intervention and systemic reform, today’s stories show how seriously the world is taking child protection. But these headlines are also reminders: safeguarding is never “done.” It is a living, evolving commitment that requires collaboration, innovation, and courage—every single day.

As individuals, organisations, and communities, we all have a role to play. Whether it’s supporting survivors, educating children, or championing policy change, we must continue working together to build a world where every child can grow up safe, strong, and heard.

🔵 Together, we can make child safety a universal reality.

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