SAFE Labs

Research & Publications

The SAFE Research Journal publishes peer-reviewed research advancing the science of AI-mediated child safeguarding. We serve as the reviewing entity that approves papers and research contributing to the global evidence base.

Our Mission

Building the world's most rigorous evidence base for child safety governance in AI-mediated environments.

Every governance decision in SAFE is grounded in peer-reviewed research. We don't just build standards — we prove they work.

Scope

Research Areas

The SAFE Research Journal accepts submissions across the following domains. Interdisciplinary research bridging multiple areas is encouraged.

AI-Mediated Harm Patterns

Classification and analysis of how AI systems can facilitate, amplify, or fail to prevent harm to children in digital environments.

Governance Effectiveness

Evaluating the effectiveness of safeguarding governance frameworks, compliance mechanisms, and intervention protocols.

Behavioural Indicators

Research into early detection signals, escalation patterns, and behavioural markers that precede exploitation events.

Platform Accountability

Studies on platform design choices, algorithmic impacts on child safety, and the relationship between engagement metrics and harm.

Cross-Jurisdictional Standards

Comparative analysis of regulatory approaches to child safety across jurisdictions and their effectiveness.

Privacy-Preserving Safeguarding

Methods for maintaining child protection standards while preserving privacy rights and minimising surveillance.

Process

Peer Review

All submissions undergo rigorous peer review by qualified experts in relevant disciplines. SAFE acts as the reviewing entity — maintaining independence, quality, and academic integrity.

Review Standards

  • Methodological rigour and reproducibility
  • Ethical compliance and child safety considerations
  • Contribution to safeguarding evidence base
  • Practical applicability to governance frameworks
1

Submission

Authors submit research papers through our secure portal for initial review.

2

Editorial Review

The editorial board assesses scope, methodology, and relevance to SAFE's mission.

3

Peer Review

Qualified reviewers from relevant disciplines provide structured feedback.

4

Revision & Acceptance

Authors revise based on feedback. Accepted papers are published in the SAFE Research Journal.

Publications

Published Research

Accepted papers will be published here as the journal launches. Initial publications are expected to cover foundational governance methodology and harm taxonomy validation.

Foundational Standard

SAFE-001: Harm Taxonomy for AI-Mediated Child Safeguarding

SAFE Governance Council

In Preparation
Empirical Research

Escalation Patterns in AI-Mediated Environments: A 6-24 Hour Window Analysis

SAFE Labs Research Team

In Preparation
Technical Paper

Deterministic Governance Rules for Child Protection: Architecture and Validation

SAFE Technical Team

Planned
Comparative Analysis

Cross-Jurisdictional Regulatory Mapping for Online Child Safety

Legal & Regulatory Council Seat

Planned

Editorial Board

Review Committee

The SAFE Research Journal editorial board is being assembled from the Governance Council's Academic Research seat and affiliated institutional researchers. Board members will be announced upon journal launch.

Forming

Editorial Board Members

4-6 Weeks

Review Turnaround

Quarterly

Publication Frequency

Submit Research

We welcome submissions from researchers, academics, and practitioners working in child safety, AI governance, digital rights, and related fields.

The submission portal will open upon journal launch. To register interest or discuss a potential submission, please contact the editorial team.

Contact Editorial Team

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