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 allBeyond Voluntary: The corporate duty to protect children’s rights
Commercial practices continue to put profits above children’s rights. If we want children’s rights upheld online, we need to shift from voluntary measures to coherent, enforceable regulations.
New EU Commissioners commit to protect children online – will they walk the talk?
5Rights calls for a comprehensive framework to make the encouraging sentiments of the newly agreed European Commissioners a reality.
Win for children: UK Government makes safety by design a strategic priority
The UK Government has announced new statutory strategic priorities on the enforcement of the Online Safety Act, instructing Ofcom to enforce safety by design. A big step for children’s safety on World Children’s Day.
UK regulators must unite to close gaps in digital regulations
UK regulators must close gaps in digital regulations to protect children online, focusing on risks from EdTech and AI while fostering a harmonised, clear and coherent approach to digital regulation.