Concluding Thoughts: The Tethered Child

Abstract

Safeguarding children in the online environment opens up a new dimension for governance – network publics and the affordances of Web 2.0 technologies expose children to potential vulnerabilities. The need for a coherent and principled response from all stakeholders in enhancing children’s safety in the online environment received its most high-profile advocate – President Barack Obama. The Summit at the White House reiterates an important aspect of online child safety governance – we need to continue to develop MSIG strategies which enhance the safety of children since the limitations on national legal systems are manifest (White House, 2011; Chamberlain et al., 2010). If we accept the premise that the law is unable to provide a perfect resolution to the threats facing children in an increasingly networked society, one rational strategy would be to focus our governance efforts in coordinating the activities of all stakeholders in society and ensure their compliance with established rules and principles. In this closing chapter I wish to bring together some key issues and themes highlighted in the book.