World

UN rights office says children need better protection online

By Reuters Reuters
Teenagers look at their mobile phone screens during an interview with Reuters about the bill aimed at banning the use of social networks for those under 15 and mobile phones in high schools from the start of the 2026 school year, in Paris, France, February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Manuel Ausloos
Teenagers look at their mobile phone screens during an interview with Reuters about the bill aimed at banning the use of social networks for those under 15 and mobile phones in high schools from the start of the 2026 school year, in Paris, France, February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Manuel Ausloos Manuel Ausloos Reuters

FRANKFURT - The United Nations' Human Rights Office on Friday called for more robust regulation and oversight by governments to make online platforms safer for children.

"Enhancing protection of children online is an urgent priority that we need to make sure not only gets done - but that it gets done right," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk said in a statement.

He added that technology companies need to embed child safety into their platforms.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger, Editing by Friederike Heine)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 3:40 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER