ChildWebAlert Receives CyberRoot Award for Leading Public Sector Initiative in Online Child Safety

The ChildWebAlert service, part of the BeSmartOnline! project, has been

recognised at national level with the CyberRoot Award in the Leading Public Sector category, presented as part of the MITA Cyber Awards. The award acknowledges the service’s ongoing contribution to protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation, and to strengthening digital safety in Malta. 

As the team behind ChildWebAlert, we are honoured to see this work recognised. This achievement reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding children and families online, promoting safer digital environments, and taking action against illegal online child abuse material. 

We extend our sincere thanks to MITA for this recognition and for continuing to highlight the importance of online safety at a national level. This award is shared with all partners and team members whose daily work contributes to making online spaces safer for children. 

A Trusted Service Within Malta’s Child Protection Framework 

ChildWebAlert forms part of the BeSmartOnline! initiative, coordinated by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS). The service provides a secure and anonymous reporting platform through which members of the public can report online material depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children. 

The CyberRoot Award recognises the essential role that ChildWebAlert plays within Malta’s child protection framework and within the wider international response to online child sexual abuse. Reports submitted through the service are reviewed and categorised by trained professionals and, where illegal material is identified, are shared through INHOPE’s global hotline network, enabling coordinated action with law enforcement authorities, including Europol and Interpol, as well as Malta’s cybercrime unit for investigation and follow-up. 

In 2023, ChildWebAlert received 1,970 reports of suspected online child abuse material. These figures underline both the scale of online harm involving children and the importance of having an accessible and trusted reporting mechanism available to the public. 

Impact Beyond Malta 

Although ChildWebAlert operates locally, its impact extends beyond Malta. Through established international cooperation networks, reports submitted through the service can support investigations in other countries. This highlights the cross-border nature of online child sexual abuse and the need for coordinated responses between services, law enforcement, and international partners. 

Supporting Children, Families, and Educators 

In addition to its reporting function, BeSmartOnline! provides guidance and support to children, young people, parents, and educators who may be affected by online harm. This approach recognises that safeguarding online spaces is not only about removing illegal content, but also about supporting those impacted by it. 

For parents and educators, ChildWebAlert offers reassurance that concerns about illegal online content involving children can be handled professionally, confidentially, and with appropriate expertise. 

A Shared Responsibility 

Receiving this CyberRoot Award marks an important milestone for ChildWebAlert and the wider BeSmartOnline! initiative. It reinforces the value of continued collaboration between public services, law enforcement, and the wider community in responding effectively to online child sexual abuse. 

Members of the public who encounter online content that may depict child sexual abuse are encouraged to report it anonymously through ChildWebAlert. Every report contributes to protecting children and creating safer online spaces. 

If you require advice, support, or wish to discuss a concern related to online safety or wellbeing, you may contact Supportline 179, which is available 24/7, or reach out to www.besmartonline.info 

Written by:  

Andrelisa Vella Chircop: Safer Internet Centre Officer and Helpline Officer