Melania Trump has condemned online bullying and urged world leaders to be more “accountable” for the development of children, in a speech delivered to the United Nations.

“We must turn our focus right now to the message and content children are exposed to on a daily basis through social media - the bullying, the experience online and in person,” she said.

But many people have pointed out her words are contradicted by her husband Donald Trump’s prolific use of social media to criticise his opponents.

Ms Trump said children must be shown “kindness” and “integrity” by example, addressing the international body in New York.

The First Lady was seated at a table with the spouses of other global leaders, including Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, and Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“We must remember that they are watching and listening, so we must never miss an opportunity to teach life's ethical lessons along the way,” Ms Trump continued.

“As adults we are not merely responsible, we are accountable. I hope you will join me in recommitting ourselves to teaching the next generation to lead and honor the golden rule, do unto others as you would have do unto you.

“It reminds our generation's moral imperative to take responsibility for what our children learn.”

The US President has used Twitter to levy insults at a number of people, from “crooked” Hillary Clinton to Fox News journalist Megyn Kelly, who recently cited Mr Trump as a reason for leaving the her job at the network after 12 years.

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Earlier this year, a poll by ABC News and the Washington Post found 67 per cent of Americans disapprove of the way their President uses Twitter.