Global Roundtable Discussion - Child Safety & Children's Rights

Theme: Safeguarding the young generation in the AI-augmented worlds

Co-Hosted By:

In the dynamic landscape of AI-augmented worlds, safeguarding our young generation becomes a task of paramount importance. These immersive realms promise transformative learning experiences and vibrant recreational avenues. Yet, they also introduce novel challenges: from the preservation of young digital identities to navigating the often-subtle influences on developing minds.

As the metaverse continues its rapid evolution, the urgency for global collaboration intensifies. Crafting new guardrails, rooted in ethics and fortified by technology, is essential to guide and protect the next generation. More than ever, accountability is not just the responsibility of a select few; it’s a collective duty. From technologists to educators, from policymakers to child rights advocates, each plays a vital role in ensuring that AI serves as an instrument of empowerment and not detriment.

This roundtable serves as a nexus for these crucial discussions. Together, we will explore actionable strategies and collaborative initiatives to ensure that our AI-augmented realities prioritize the safety, dignity, and rights of every child.

Key Objectives

Provide an overview of the expanding young audience of Immersive digital environments.
Share and discuss practical examples of issues, concerns, and risks for the young audience resulting from the access and use of virtual worlds and emerging tech
Describe real-world short-term solutions and actions to manage the previously described challenges

Key Stakeholders

Parents and guardians
Educators and school administrators
Child psychologists and therapists
Youth policy advocates and Technology companies developing products for children
Children’s rights organizations
Game developers and legislators focusing on focusing on youth audiences

Time and Agenda Details

Agenda Item	Session Start Time	Session End Time
Overview and Introduction Valentino Megale XRSI Europe \| Softcare Studios Hlekiwe Kachali UNICEF	11:00 am PST 7:00 pm GMT	11:12 am PST 7:12 pm GMT
Welcome remarks by the Opening Speaker Catherine Knibbs Children and Tech	11:12 am PST 7:12 pm GMT	11:22 am PST 7:22 pm GMT
Key Contributor Statements/Interventions (5 minutes each) Girard Kelly Common Sense Media Anne Hobson Meta Dona J. Fraser BBB National Programs Steven Vosloo UNICEF Lisa Robinson OECD Larry Magid ConnectSafely	11:22 am PST 7:22 pm GMT	11:37 am PST 7:37 pm GMT
~ 5 Minutes Break – 11:37 am PST to 11:42 am PST \| 7:37 pm GMT to 7:42 pm GMT
Thematic Discussion and SWARM Intelligence Gathering on Emerging Playgrounds: Preventing Harm to Enable Opportunities for Youngsters. We will address the challenges children encounter as participants and creators in AI-augmented environments. These digital spaces offer immense learning and creative potential but also pose risks, including psychological impacts and exposure to inappropriate content. We’ll focus on the evolving relationship between youngsters and AI agents, considering the potential for dependency and manipulation. Additionally, the role of young creators in these environments will be examined, particularly in how they might be influenced by or contribute to harmful content. Our discussion aims to develop strategies to safeguard young minds, promoting safe, healthy, and creative engagement in these digital playgrounds. Kavya Pearlman XRSI - X Reality Safety Intelligence David Baltaxe Unanimous AI Jessica Stone Virtual Sandtray, LLC	11:42 am PST 7:42 pm GMT	12:47 pm PST 8:47 pm GMT
~ 20 Minutes Break – 12:47 pm PST to 1:07 pm PST \| 8:47 pm GMT to 9:07 pm GMT
Thematic Discussion and SWARM Intelligence Gathering on Embracing Shared Responsibility: Uniting Parents, Guardians, Big Tech, and Policymakers to Safeguard Children in AI-Augmented Worlds This discussion explores the ‘shared responsibility’ in safeguarding children in AI-augmented environments. As children increasingly engage with AI-driven platforms, it becomes imperative for parents, guardians, Big Tech, and policymakers to work together to ensure their digital safety. We will discuss how each stakeholder can contribute to this mission, focusing on developing safety protocols, ethical guidelines, and educational initiatives. This collaborative effort aims to create a unified approach to protect and empower children, ensuring their experiences in AI-augmented worlds are not only enriching but also safe and respectful of their rights and needs. The goal is to establish a cohesive strategy that underscores our collective responsibility to foster a secure digital future for the younger generation. Hlekiwe Kachali UNICEF David Baltaxe Unanimous AI Janaé N. McPhaul XRSI \| CyberXR Coalition	1:07 pm PST 9:07 pm GMT	2:08 pm PST 10:08 pm GMT
Concluding Remarks & Adjourn Valentino Megale XRSI Europe \| Softcare Studios Hlekiwe Kachali UNICEF	2:08 pm PST 10:08 pm GMT	2:20 pm PST 10:20 pm GMT

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