UN Warns Against Social Media Bans for Children's Safety

The United Nations, through its High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, has issued a warning that banning children from social media platforms will not adequately protect them from online dangers. The UN unveiled a 10-point framework aimed at urging governments and technology companies to strengthen protections for children in the digital space.

This framework, titled "Get Children’s Safety Online," highlights that the risks children face online stem from decisions made by companies rather than merely restricting access. Peggi Hick, Director of Thematic Engagement at the UN High Commission for Human Rights, stated that design choices, such as addictive features and persistent notifications, undermine children's safety.

The framework calls for mandatory child rights impact assessments and emphasizes the need for platforms to incorporate safety measures into their design from the outset. Countries like Australia plan to bar children under 16 from social media by December 2025, with Indonesia and Malaysia considering similar measures.

The UN stresses that simply limiting access does not address the underlying issues of online safety.