"There are a lot of people here today," Jess Leslie’s eight-year-old casually remarked while playing a game on his tablet. It was just a passing comment—until she realized what it meant.
Strangers. Inside her home. Not physically, but through a screen.
As the Director of Online Protection Programs at ChildFund International, Jess has spent years safeguarding children from digital threats. Yet, even as an expert, she found herself confronting an unsettling truth: online risks are closer than we think.
Here are our Key Takeaways from our conversation, while you can scroll below for a more in-depth summary of our conversation.
Why online safety is about more than just screen time
Jess didn’t start her career in online protection. She worked in gender-based violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation, witnessing firsthand how childhood trauma shapes adulthood. As the internet became a second home for kids, she saw a growing need to extend child protection into digital spaces.
Her mission today is clear: equip families, schools, and governments with the tools to make the internet safer. Jess and her team work across 24 countries, advocating for policy changes, creating educational programs, and ensuring that online safety isn’t just a privilege for a few—it’s a right for every child.
The real challenge? Not focusing on the rules, but on building trust
Many parents focus on restricting screen time, but Jess believes the real question is: how are children using technology? And more importantly, do they feel safe talking about their experiences?
“The internet is full of risks, but for many kids, it’s also a space for connection,” she explains. “If we approach online safety with fear alone, we risk losing the chance to guide them.”
Her advice to parents? Focus on open conversations, not just controls. Instead of banning games or monitoring every move, ask about their experiences, understand their world, and create a space where they feel safe to ask for help.
A safer internet starts with accountability
Jess knows that protecting children can’t just fall on parents. While families play a role, real change comes from holding platforms and policymakers accountable. That’s why ChildFund is pushing for stronger regulations, digital literacy education, and safer online spaces for kids worldwide.
She envisions a world where children aren’t just protected from harm, but empowered to navigate the digital world safely. A world where safety means education, accountability, and resilience. So the next time a child says, "There are a lot of people here today," they’re talking about friends, not hidden dangers.
ChildFund International is a global child development organization dedicated to helping children grow up safe, healthy, educated, and empowered—regardless of where they live. Working in more than 20 countries, ChildFund partners with communities, local organizations, and governments to create sustainable solutions that protect children from violence, exploitation, and poverty. From early childhood education to digital safety and disaster response, ChildFund’s mission is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a childhood free from fear and full of opportunity.
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