On October 17, the third meeting of the “Cyber Crime Prevention Central Committee for Teenagers” took place, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to ensure a harassment-free, safe internet for teenagers in a new Bangladesh. Before the main meeting, Cyber Teens members had the opportunity to meet with the ICT Secretary Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, NDC where they provided a briefing on the mission and initiatives of Cyber Teens. This discussion set a constructive tone for the committee meeting, where key decisions were made that are expected to significantly contribute to online safety for young people. The committee remains committed to protecting and empowering teenagers to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly.
https://youtu.be/UUYkKQLqcUI
Among the core proposals discussed:
- Ownership of the ‘Cyberteens.gov.bd’ Portal: The Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency recommended that the agency take responsibility for any changes or updates to the portal.
- Strengthening Local Cyber Crime Committees: Plans were made to establish and reinforce cybercrime committees at district and sub-district levels, ensuring coordinated efforts to protect youth online.
- Implementation of an Online GD System for Teenagers: The committee decided to develop an online General Diary (GD) system, allowing teenagers to report cyber issues directly to the police and receive timely support.
- Internship Opportunities for Harpower Trained Women: The committee proposed that women trained under the Harpower project be given opportunities to intern at the Cyber Teens Helpline, supporting efforts to empower women in technology and cyber safety.
- Partnerships for Cyber Awareness and Mental Health Support: The committee agreed to enhance partnerships with mental health organizations and telecom providers to expand support for the “13 2 19” helpline, a dedicated line for cyber help and counseling for teenagers.
- Policy for Anti-Bullying Initiatives in Schools: The committee stressed the importance of implementing anti-bullying policies in schools nationwide, involving educational institutions in the mission to protect teenagers from online harassment.