A/HRC/31/34 abuse images are 10 years of age or younger (while 3 per cent are 2 years of age or younger). This figure is up from 74 per cent in 2011.16 On the other hand, older children are the primary targets of sex offenders who use the Internet to groom victims and to meet them offline,17 and may also face unusually high risks of exposure to harmful material and cyberbullying (E/CN.15/2014/7, para. 40). 33. Gender differences also influence how children perceive and respond to online risk: while boys appear to be more bothered by online violence than girls, girls are more likely to be concerned by contact-related risks.18 34. Research suggests that young people who already face challenges in their daily lives are also at risk of encountering problems online. Children belonging to vulnerable groups − including those of lower socioeconomic status, children affected by migration, children out of school, children belonging to minorities and children with disabilities − may be less likely to enjoy the benefits offered by the online environment or to receive information regarding online safety than their peers.19 35. Social isolation also affects the nature of a child’s online behaviour and the amount of activity online, as well as a child’s propensity to seek help when problems arise (E/CN.15/2014/7, para. 40). Isolated children and adolescents are more likely to share sensitive information publicly, including inappropriate or sexually explicit material, with a view to gaining acceptance and attention (ibid., para. 29). This has led researchers to identify a “double jeopardy” effect whereby children with more psychological problems suffer greater harm from both online and offline risks. 20 V. Preventing and addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation through information communications technology and the Internet 36. The challenge of creating a safe online environment for children lies in developing a range of responses that strike a balance between maximizing the potential of ICT to promote and protect children’s rights while minimizing risks and ensuring children’s safety and protection. A digital agenda for children should be integrated as a core component of a comprehensive national, coordinated and well-resourced policy framework to prevent and address all forms of violence against children. To be effective, the agenda should be inclusive and empowering, involve all stakeholders, aim at reaching all children, and be informed by their views and experiences online. 37. The main components of such a strategy include legislative reform; developing policy and guidance for relevant sectors; strengthening institutions; achieving better coordination through multi-stakeholder engagement; capacity-building; and systematic data collection and research. 16 17 18 19 20 See E/CN.15/2014/CRP.1, para. 126. Janis Wolak, “Research findings in the United States about sexual exploitation via virtual interactions” (see footnote 12), pp. 6-9. Sonia Livingstone et al., Risks and safety on the internet: the perspective of European children, LSE Research Online, 2011, p. 62. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Releasing Children’s Potential and Minimizing Risks (see footnote 1), p. 18. Leen d’Haenens, Sofie Vandoninck and Verónica Donoso, “How to cope and build online resilience?”, EU Kids Online, 2013, p. 1. 9