Growing Up Digital:
Telia and Children’s Rights Today

On 13th October, Global Child Forum launched our latest benchmark report, The State of Children’s Rights and Business 2026. In the report, Telia is one of just two companies with an overall benchmark score of 10/10. We sit down with Anna Augustson, Head of Group Sustainability, to ask about the company’s approach to child rights, and how they engage with youth in a rapidly evolving technological marketplace.

As a leading telecom operator with millions of customers across the Nordic and Baltic region, Telia plays a leading role in some of the world’s most digitalised societies. Children are frequent users of the company’s services.

Telia is working to protect these users from online harm while empowering them to benefit from digital technology.

“At Telia, we want to help children and families navigate the digital world with confidence through safer services, trusted guidance and digital skills.

Achieving a 10/10 score in Global Child Forum’s benchmark is an encouraging recognition of our commitment to embedding children’s rights across our business.”

– Anna Augustson, Head of Group Sustainability, Telia

Why should children’s rights be a business priority for the Technology & Telecommunication sector?

Anna Augustson: Because childhood today is increasingly shaped by the digital experiences that companies such as Telia help to enable.

There is a link between how well we integrate children’s rights into our offerings, and the trust we receive from our customers.

And of course, it is trust that will determine our long-term business success. 

How is Telia responding to the rapid pace of technology changes?

A.A.: At Telia, we work to protect, guide and empower children and families in a connected and increasingly AI-influenced world.

This includes blocking attempts to access child sexual abuse material in our networks, offering age-appropriate connectivity solutions, and helping children, parents and teachers build digital skills, confidence and AI literacy.

We also work closely with organisations such as Childhood, BRIS, Save the Children, and the Estonian Union for Child Welfare to maximise our positive impact.

Telia has achieved a 10/10 score in Global Child Forum’s benchmark. What does that recognition mean?

A.A.: We are proud to receive this score, and we see it as encouragement rather than a finish line.

Technology and online risks are evolving faster than ever.

Our ultimate measure of success is that we continue to help families navigate digital life with safety and confidence.