The conversation moves beyond fear-based narratives to examine the real, often positive role the internet can play in young people’s lives—particularly for boys who may lack emotional support offline. From gaming platforms to online communities, Francesco and Kay highlight how digital spaces can offer connection, self-expression, and even healing—if we know how to guide children through them with curiosity and compassion.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about safer, more inclusive online experiences, this episode offers a fresh and necessary perspective on what it really means to protect children in the digital age.
Here are our Key Takeaways from our conversation, while you can scroll below for a more in-depth summary of our conversation.
Protecting boys and challenging assumptions in the online world with Francesco Cecon
"Don't talk to strangers, especially if you're a girl!".
"The internet is a risky place for young girls like you!"
Sound familiar? Parenting in the digital age can feel like navigating an endless maze. While concerns about screen time and online dangers are valid, there’s another side to the story, one that often gets overlooked. What if we have been failing boys by assuming they don’t need protection?
Francesco Cecon, Head of Programme for the Global Boys Initiative at ECPAT International, and Kay Vasey from k-ID, challenge these assumptions. They explore not just the risks, but the untapped opportunities of the digital world, especially for boys who are often left out of conversations on safety. Francesco is pushing for a shift in how we approach online protection by challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of vulnerability.
Protecting boys and challenging assumptions
Francesco has spent years addressing issues of exploitation and abuse, focusing on how societal attitudes shape these problems. He believes it’s essential to address stereotypes, particularly those surrounding boys.
The Global Alliance for the Protection of Boys from Sexual Violence is one of his proudest achievements. This initiative unites advocates from over 30 countries to highlight boys’ vulnerabilities and promote healthier ideas of masculinity.
Many parents underestimate the risks boys face online. The assumption that boys are inherently strong and self-sufficient often leaves them unsupported.
“We’ve seen boys overlooked when harm happens because society assumes they can handle it,” Francesco says. “It’s critical to challenge this and ensure all children, regardless of gender, receive the support they need.”
Online spaces: Risks and possibilities
Online spaces are often seen as dangerous, but they can offer meaningful opportunities, especially for kids who may not have trusted adults in their offline lives. Francesco sees potential in these spaces to provide connection and support.
For many children, gaming platforms and online communities serve as places to express themselves and build friendships. However, ensuring their safety requires both awareness and understanding from parents.
Parents who feel overwhelmed by their children’s digital lives should start small. Francesco encourages simple steps like asking about favorite games or exploring platforms together. These moments help parents understand the online world and build trust without interrogating or controlling.
“When parents are curious about their child’s experiences, they open doors to deeper connection and important conversations.”
Advice for parents: Trust matters most
Teenagers often explore identity, relationships, and sensitive topics online. They may do so because offline spaces for these conversations are limited. Francesco urges parents to remain approachable rather than fearful when talking about these subjects.
Building trust is essential. Children need to feel safe sharing their experiences without worrying about judgment or punishment. Casual conversations and shared activities, like playing games together, create natural opportunities to connect and talk.
“If kids trust their parents to listen calmly, they’re far more likely to ask for help when something goes wrong.”
A new vision for online experiences
Francesco and Kay are optimistic about initiatives that partner with online platforms, particularly gaming spaces. These environments are not only for entertainment, but also places where kids form friendships, build community, and feel heard.
When platforms prioritize inclusion, diversity, and child protection, they create safer and more supportive spaces for kids. Francesco believes this approach is a step toward improving the overall online experience.
His ultimate vision is a world where children can go online knowing they will be respected, included, and empowered. A world where safety means more than just protection: it means opportunity, education, and transformation.
ECPAT International is a global network of organizations dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation of children. Operating in over 100 countries, ECPAT works to influence policy, conduct research, raise awareness, and strengthen child protection systems worldwide. Through partnerships with governments, civil society, and frontline practitioners, ECPAT advocates for the rights of every child to live free from sexual abuse and exploitation—online and offline. Its initiatives challenge harmful norms, amplify the voices of survivors, and drive systemic change to build a safer, more just world for all children.
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