Czech child protection cases hit record high amid EU policy shifts

Czech social services recorded a sharp rise in child abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases over the past year, exceeding 10,000 incidents—the highest level in two decades. Authorities removed 3,616 children from their families, representing an increase of 300 cases year-on-year. Child welfare specialists emphasize that official data reflects only a portion of the problem, though commentators debate whether the increase stems from growing societal uncertainty or heightened public vigilance. Analysts also cited a lack of specialized preventive services and clear legal guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is opening over 300 new childcare groups funded by seven billion Czech korunas from the EU National Recovery Plan, despite concerns over absent quality regulations. Internationally, the European Commission introduced the EU KIDS Act to prohibit social media for children under 13 and restrict unassisted accounts until age 15.

Sources: Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy.