Czechia faces child protection challenges as EU proposes new digital safeguards

Czech child welfare authorities registered a sharp increase in child abuse and neglect cases over the past year, marking the highest figures in two decades. Official data shows that 3,616 children were removed from their families, prompting experts and officials to warn that systemic deficiencies, including a lack of clear guidelines and specialized support services, exacerbate the crisis.

Concurrently, the Czech government is wrapping up a seven-billion-koruna initiative funded by the EU National Recovery Plan to open over 300 new childcare facilities by September. Critics argue that the expansion lacks defined quality standards for early childhood care.

At the European level, the European Commission introduced the EU KIDS Act, proposing a social media ban for children under 13 and restricting independent account creation to those aged 15 and older to enhance digital safety.

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