“The Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev on “Measures to protect children from harmful content and influences in the digital environment” is an extremely relevant and strategically important document in the modern era. In a situation where digitalization is rapidly increasing and children's access to the internet is expanding, it was necessary to define comprehensive measures in this direction at the state level.”
This opinion was stated by Milli Majlis member Jala Aliyeva in her statement to Modern.az.
She noted that the Order is of significant importance from several perspectives:
“Firstly, it is important from the perspective of protecting national security and moral values. The digital environment is not only an information space but also a platform for ideological influence. Harmful content – violence, drug propaganda, calls for suicide, extremism, immoral materials – poses a serious threat to children's psychological and moral development. The Order aims at systematically preventing these risks.
Furthermore, this document is important for the formation of the state–family–education triangle. The protection of children is not solely a parental responsibility. This is part of state policy and education strategy. The Order envisages the creation of institutional mechanisms and coordination among relevant bodies.
The aim is also to promote the increase of digital literacy. It is evident that a mere prohibition mechanism is not sufficient. Children and parents must be educated about digital safety rules. Media literacy should become an integral part of educational programs. The creation of a filtered usage mechanism for social networks in kindergartens and secondary schools is a very important element.”
Jala Aliyeva noted that the most appropriate mechanism for children and adolescents to use social networks in a filtered manner is a combination of technical, administrative, and educational models:
“Firstly, to ensure a technical filtration system, a centralized internet control system in educational institutions and a unified educational network filter platform at the state level should be created.
Schools' internet access should be managed through a single server. Content filters appropriate for age categories should be applied. Artificial intelligence-based mechanisms for detecting harmful content should be established.
In schools, access should only be open to approved educational and informative platforms. Social networks, however, should be used in a limited and controlled manner for educational purposes. Clear rules regarding phone usage should be developed. Access to social networks should be prohibited during lessons.
In schools, for example, the position of a digital safety coordinator could be established. Psychologists should regularly conduct seminars on cyber threats and online violence.
Preschool educational institutions should also not be forgotten. The use of social networks should generally not be envisaged for kindergarten-aged children.
Only educational, closed, and secure platforms should be used. The use of parental control programs should be encouraged. Digital safety training should be organized for parents. A permanent communication platform should be created between family and school.”
According to the deputy, the most appropriate mechanism is not a complete ban, but a controlled and educational usage model:
“In the modern world, complete isolation from the digital environment is not realistic. The goal is not to distance the child from the internet, but to foster safe usage habits. Equipping children with “digital immunity” is the long-term solution to this problem.”
“I would like to specifically note that this Order is a strategic document serving the formation of Azerbaijan's future generations in a healthy psychological and moral environment. In the digital age, the protection of children is a national priority issue,” – the Milli Majlis member added.
