The United Nations appears to be making access to the internet a human right for children.

This sounds great on paper, but is it really in the best interest of a child, or is it in the political agendas of those involved?

In the United States, we have the Children’s Online Privacy & Protection Act – which on the surface opposes the U.N. view and allows parents to make decisions for their children. The U.N. document appears to negate the parental role in decision-making.

Rather than asserting the right of every child to be online, more consideration should be given to their protection from exploitation by technology companies and politicians that are exploiting them right now.

The text of the U.N. document follows

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

To Learn About Existing Protections For Children’s Online Safety:

• USA
  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act – Wikipedia
  • Children’s Privacy | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
  • Complying with COPPA: Frequently Asked Questions | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (“COPPA”) | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
• CANADA
  • Kids’ Safety Online – Canadian Red Cross
  • Resources to keep children safe online – Canada.ca
  • Internet Safety (cybertip.ca)
• AUSTRALIA
  • Online safety | Child Family Community Australia (aifs.gov.au)
  • Homepage | eSafety Commissioner
• UNITED KINGDOM
  • UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • UK Safer Internet Centre – Online Safety Tips, Advice and Resources | Safer Internet Centre
• EUROPE
  • Better Internet for kids | Shaping Europe’s digital future (europa.eu)
• NEW ZEALAND
  • Online child safety | New Zealand Police
  • Online safety advice & reporting. Netsafe – Providing free online safety advice in New Zealand