Online violence against children (<18) refers to a range of harmful acts that are committed, facilitated, or amplified through digital technologies, including grooming, sexual exploitation, coercion, blackmail, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of images.

In Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, due to the increased access to technology and the internet, online violence can pose heightened risks due to social stigma, fear of blame, and gaps in specialized child protection responses. In this context, the way frontline responders from law enforcement, schools, social services, and child protection agencies communicate with children becomes a critical element of protection and can directly influence a child’s safety and willingness to seek help.

This practical checklist is designed as a concise, field-oriented tool for any frontline professional who engages with children affected by online violence, including police officers, prosecutors, social workers, child protection case managers, school staff, psychologists, community mobilizers, and hotline or helpline staff. It is intended for use during real interactions with children and serves as a quick reference rather than a comprehensive standard operating procedure. It promotes an age-appropriate, child-centered and trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety, non-blaming language, confidentiality, and emotional support. The checklist reinforces key practices such as limiting the number of adults present, avoiding repeated questioning, clearly explaining the purpose of the conversation, and ensuring the child understands what will happen next. It outlines key actions before, during, and after conversations with children, including preparing a safe and private environment, building trust, responding to distress, and ensuring appropriate follow-up and referral.

By strengthening child-friendly communication practices, this tool supports safer and more consistent interactions with children, helping to reduce harm and contribute to a more coordinated and compassionate response to online violence against children.