Alexandria, VA (OCTOBER 28, 2024)  — The International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) releases an innovative Model Framework designed to help online platforms protect the mental health of content moderators working with child exploitation material, offering comprehensive best practices for employers to prevent secondary trauma and strengthen employee resilience.

The International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) has released its latest publication, a Model Framework designed to protect the mental health of human content moderators who work with child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSAM). This comprehensive set of best practices helps employers strengthen employee resilience and minimize the risks of secondary trauma from repeated exposure to distressing content. It represents a significant step forward in improving conditions for this vital yet often overlooked group of workers in the digital age.

“We recognize the immense mental health challenges content moderators face, especially when working with highly sensitive material,” said Bob Cunningham, ICMEC’s representative. “This framework provides a clear and practical approach for employers to put trauma-informed policies in place, which not only protect their employees but also improve the effectiveness of content moderation overall.”

The framework is divided into three key sections that span the moderator’s entire employment cycle: Foundational Employment Practices, Company Commitment, and Collaboration Across the Ecosystem. ICMEC highlights the need for employers to provide comprehensive training, maintain a safe and supportive work environment, and prioritize the mental health of their moderators. Companies that adopt these best practices can reduce burnout, build resilience, and help ensure the success of their content moderation efforts while minimizing legal risks.

As online spaces evolve, the need for effective content moderation grows. ICMEC’s Model Framework offers a clear, responsible, and forward-thinking strategy to support moderators who are on the front lines of child protection, helping ensure a safer internet for everyone, while maintaining their own well-being.