Kuala lumpur: ASEAN member states have been urged to strengthen child protection by enhancing legislation, introducing more child-friendly reporting channels, and enforcing anti-bullying policies following recommendations put forward by participants at the 9th ASEAN Children's Forum (ACF).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying stated that the recommendations presented by the participants reflected the real-life experiences, aspirations, and hopes of children, and should therefore be given due consideration by policymakers at both the national and regional levels. She emphasized the importance of governments, ASEAN sectoral bodies, and strategic partners examining the recommendations and translating them into concrete policies, programs, and initiatives where appropriate.

"The views shared by the child participants reflect their lived experiences, aspirations, and hopes, which also contribute to the building of a more inclusive ASEAN Community," Lim Hui Ying said in a media statement during the closing ceremony of the 9th ACF.

The hybrid forum brought together child participants from ASEAN member states to discuss issues related to violence against children, including physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual violence. Following consultations throughout the forum, participants put forward recommendations on child protection in four key settings: the home, schools, online, and the community.

Among the key recommendations were strengthening child protection laws, expanding child-friendly reporting channels, enforcing anti-bullying policies, broadening psychosocial support, and providing more inclusive services for children in vulnerable situations. The forum also recognized the roles of parents, teachers, the private sector, civil society organizations, the media, and peers in creating a safe environment for children.

At the same time, participants pledged to support one another and foster a culture of care and mutual respect as part of efforts to address violence against children.