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Child Rights Connect has published a new survey report exploring the digital experiences and protection needs of child human rights defenders (CHRDs). Based on responses from 139 children across 20 countries, the report reveals that while the vast majority of young activists are using online platforms to advocate for human rights, more than half have already experienced a serious digital security incident — from account hacking and misinformation exposure to online harassment and identity theft.

The findings also show that children are taking proactive steps to protect themselves, with 76% using at least one digital security measure. Yet significant gaps remain: many lack knowledge of technical protection tools, and nearly one in five never received internet safety education at school. Children themselves called for stronger digital literacy training, protective laws that recognise them as human rights defenders, psychosocial support, and platforms that take threats against young activists seriously.

The report, developed with the support of Child Rights Connect’s Children’s Advisory Team (CAT), will inform the development of new resources and tools to better protect CHRDs online. Read the full report here.