A/HRC/31/34 62. The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, and general comment No. 16 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on State obligations regarding the impact of business on children’s rights (CRC/C/GC/16) provide important guidance in this area, addressing the safety of children and preventing the risk of harm, abuse or exploitation. The ITU/UNICEF Guidelines for Industry on Child Online Protection provide a sound framework for promoting the positive use of the Internet and mechanisms for reporting child sexual abuse online, and for encouraging safe and age-appropriate awareness and education for children, parents and teachers (A/69/264, para. 118). 63. While many positive initiatives have been launched and vital tools have been developed, more consistent action is needed, including on restricting access to child sexual abuse material and content harmful to children, age verification and guidance on child safety addressed to children and parents (A/69/264, para. 119). Companies should implement codes of practice and safeguarding standards, and be fully aware of how their services can have an impact on children online and create potential safety risks. E. International cooperation 64. Given the nature of child sexual exploitation through ICTs, international cooperation is indispensable when tackling the problem. The need for such cooperation is clearly spelled out in both international and regional instruments, and should include cooperation between States, international and regional organizations, and national and international non-governmental organizations. 65. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children organizes an annual round-table discussion with regional organizations and institutions to enhance cross-regional cooperation and accelerate progress in children’s freedom from violence. The forum has become a strategic mechanism in the promotion of policy dialogue, the sharing of knowledge and good practices, facilitating cross-fertilization, coordinating efforts and fostering synergies, identifying trends and pressing challenges, and joining forces to strengthen children’s safety and protection. F. Data collection and further research 66. One of the most significant challenges to understanding children’s use of ICTs and engagement with the Internet is the lack of research from developing countries. In many countries, particularly in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, it is not known whether and how children access the Internet, let alone what the consequences might be (A/69/264, para. 23). These countries are both home to the majority of the world’s children and young people and the places where Internet access is now growing most rapidly. 67. Data and research on children’s safety, exposure to risk, the impact of harm and factors that affect children’s resilience are essential for the development of law and policy. States should undertake research, data collection and analysis on an ongoing basis to gain a better understanding of how children access and use digital and social media, and their impact on children’s lives. The data should cover both risks and opportunities for children, and be disaggregated in order to facilitate analysis on the situation of all children, particularly those in a situation of vulnerability. 14