NAIROBI, Kenya, June 25 – UNESCO has launched a new global guide aimed at helping parents and caregivers equip children with the skills needed to safely and critically navigate the digital world.
The guide, titled Growing Up in a Connected World: A Family Guide for the Digital Age, was unveiled at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and developed in partnership with CLEMI, with contributions from 37 experts and professionals from around the world.
Available in English, French and Spanish, the guide seeks to strengthen Media and Information Literacy (MIL) among families as children become increasingly exposed to rapidly evolving digital environments.
UNESCO noted that while digital technologies have expanded access to information and global connectivity, they have also exposed children to risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation, hate speech and other harmful online content.
The organisation said emerging technologies and digital platforms have also raised concerns about children’s wellbeing, including sleep deprivation and potential mental and cognitive health risks.
According to UNESCO’s 2025 global survey, 171 countries have established Media and Information Literacy policy frameworks. However, fewer than half have integrated MIL into school curricula, leaving families with a greater responsibility to help children navigate online spaces.
The launch comes as several countries consider tighter restrictions on children’s access to social media amid growing concerns over online safety and exposure to harmful content.
UNESCO said the guide is designed to help families support children’s safe participation in the digital world, including social media, artificial intelligence tools and online gaming platforms.
The guide encourages parents and children to discuss expectations, responsibilities, boundaries and shared values around technology use, with the aim of promoting healthier digital habits and critical thinking skills.
Speaking during the launch, Khaled El-Enany said many parents feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change and often lack the support needed to guide children online.
“Too many children still receive no structured support at all. When schools cannot fill this gap, the responsibility falls on families,” he said.
Samuel Vitel said the guide complements existing digital safety measures by helping parents engage more effectively with their children on technology use.
“It is often through dialogue with parents that children learn to question information, compare perspectives and develop critical thinking skills,” he said.
UNESCO hopes the guide will serve as a practical resource for families seeking to better understand online risks, identify misleading content and navigate emerging technologies responsibly.
