Background and Aim: The expansion of information and communication technologies and the increasing access of children to cyberspace have created numerous opportunities and challenges in guaranteeing and protecting children’s rights. This new space, while offering educational and recreational opportunities, also poses risks such as privacy violations, sexual exploitation, cyber violence, cyberbullying and the disclosure of personal information for children. In this context, states and the family unit, as two primary and influential entities in safeguarding and ensuring children’s rights, play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating these risks. The main objective of this research is to analyze the roles and responsibilities of states and the family unit in protecting children’s rights in cyberspace, focusing on international human rights instruments, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols. The primary research question is how states and the family unit can effectively protect children’s rights in cyberspace within the framework of their international obligations and what legal, supervisory and educational measures can be implemented in this regard.
Method: The current research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of the type of research, which has been collected and analyzed by using library resources and examining a wide range of documents and procedures and other research works.
Results: The findings demonstrate that states, according to international human rights instruments, are obligated to establish legal and regulatory mechanisms to prevent violations of children’s rights in cyberspace. These mechanisms include enacting comprehensive legislation, formulating protective protocols, developing digital education programs and collaborating with international and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the family unit, as the primary social environment of children, has the responsibility to raise awareness, monitor and guide children to use cyberspace safely and appropriately. Nevertheless, challenges such as parents’ lack of awareness, insufficient legislation and the absence of comprehensive protective policies are significant barriers to protecting children’s rights in cyberspace.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the research emphasizes the need for coordination and collaboration among states, the family unit, educational institutions and international organizations. It suggests that states, by leveraging global experiences and localizing protective and educational policies, can create better conditions to safeguard children’s rights in cyberspace.

Please cite this article as:
Seyed Nasseri MM. A Reflection on the Role of States and the Family Unit in Ensuring and Protecting Children’s Rights in Cyberspace from the Perspective of International Human Rights Instruments. Child Rights Journal. 2023; 5(19): 31-46.