The Social Advisory Board of the Vision Foundation held a focus-group discussion on protecting children and adolescents from the risks associated with media and social media platforms. The session also presented several proposals to address these risks.

The focus group was held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Vision Foundation for Strategic Studies. Experts and academics discussed the risks arising from the misuse and exploitation of children and adolescents in media and on social media, as well as practical measures to protect them.

Participants noted that some parents use their children to attract likes and comments and increase viewership. They also highlighted that children’s images and identities are sometimes disclosed in media coverage of crimes and violent incidents.

The participants stressed that the existing laws in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region do not adequately protect children’s rights and privacy in media and across social media platforms.

The focus group proposed drafting legislation that, following broader discussion and consultation, would be submitted to the legislative authorities. The aim is to establish an effective legal framework for protecting children in media and digital environments.