In a policy brief released for International Youth Day, the UN called on governments, technology companies, advertisers, media organizations and researchers to make protecting young people online a priority.
The report said the challenge is particularly significant in low-income countries, where internet participation among young people is nearly twice that of the rest of the population.
But young people are not simply vulnerable users, the UN stressed. They are also creators, advocates and organizers, including young journalists and content creators who increasingly shape public debate.
The UN called for young people’s perspectives to be incorporated into research and policymaking on information integrity, saying protection must go hand in hand with meaningful participation in creating a safer and more trustworthy digital environment.
