Regional leaders call for stricter laws to protect children from violence

Discussions at recent regional forums have highlighted the urgent need for improved child protection measures against both physical and digital violence. In Croatia, officials noted a rise in sexual crimes against children, often occurring within family circles. Participants emphasized the necessity of stricter laws, increased minimum sentences, and a more unified support system to prevent the re-traumatization of victims during legal proceedings.

Parallel to these concerns, the Western Balkans Digital Summit in Montenegro addressed the growing threat of digital violence. Experts noted that children and teenagers spend significant daily hours online, with many reporting stress or sadness linked to social media use. Representatives from the European Commission stressed that the responsibility for ensuring a safe online environment lies heavily with digital platforms, advocating for legislative frameworks similar to the EU's Digital Services Act to protect minors.