The United Nations calls for urgent action to protect children from online harms, urging stronger safeguards and greater accountability from social media platforms. Speaking as part of a broader global push for oversight, the UN emphasises that states must play an active role in enforcing child-focused protections rather than relying solely on voluntary steps by technology companies. The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, says governments should require tech firms to embed child safety into the design and operation of their platforms. The appeals are framed as a priority given the scale of children’s exposure to digital services and the risks they can face online, including harmful content and unsafe interactions. The UN’s message aligns across outlets: protecting children online is treated as an urgent issue, with calls for clearer responsibilities for both governments and platform operators. Overall, the UN advocates for tighter standards, effective implementation, and enforceable measures to reduce risks and improve child safety across digital environments.