The problem
Digital products and services curate almost all aspects of children’s lives, but they are designed for profit, not children’s wellbeing. Today, one in two under 18s struggles with addiction to digital devices; harassment, eating disorders, suicide and online sexual abuse are soaring.
“The more time you use social media the more addicted you are and there is no control over it.”
Sarah, 13
“I believe that when young people collate all their ideas, something amazing can happen”
Alejandro, 12
The solution
Children’s rights and needs must be at the heart of digital design and development. Tech companies must be held accountable for ensuring their products and services cater for children and young people by design and default.
Our impact
Working for and with young people, 5Rights has successfully set the agenda, delivered the evidence, shaped the needed policy, legislation and technical tools, and worked with companies to demonstrate that redesigning services for children is possible, profitable and can benefit all.
“I imagine that the digital world in the 22nd century will be advanced, brilliant and safe for all children to use effectively and creatively”
Aisha, 16
The digital world was not designed for children. But it can be. Take action with us today for a better tomorrow.
Resources
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View all5Rights celebrates Safer Internet Day 2025
Safer Internet Day is beyond a celebration. From Dublin to Manila, we’re calling for children’s rights to be respected by design and default.
5Rights joins global call to make AI safe for children
Global leaders gather at the Grand Palais in Paris for the AI summit, whilst 5Rights signs onto Everyone.AI’s Beneficial AI for Children call to action. We’re calling for AI that is safe by design, rights-respecting, and empowering for children.
AI systems that exploit the vulnerabilities of children are now illegal in the EU
Article 5 of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act is a true milestone, but more is required to protect children’s rights and needs by design and default.
UK bolsters legal basis of Age Appropriate Design Code
In a major win for 5Rights, the UK Government has introduced a legal requirement for online services to consider children’s rights and needs when processing their data, by design and default. This move emboldens the Age Appropriate Design Code, strengthening protections to children’s data.