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.
New Children & AI Design Code!
Our unique framework sets the standard to design, develop and deploy AI systems that respect children’s rights, privacy and security.
Resources
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View allCPDP.ai 2025: Delivering on children’s rights, an opportunity for all?
Four leading experts take us through whether the EU can show a way forward in the pursuit of children’s rights in the digital environment. Join 5Rights at this year’s CPDP conference.
UK Government sets unambiguous direction for a safer online world
5Rights welcomes the UK Government’s final Statement of Strategic Priorities, confirming safety by design as a cornerstone of tech regulation. However, more must be done to deliver on the Online Safety Act’s promises.
“A different digital settlement for children” – implementation must follow Global Digital Compact commitments
From the floor of the UN STI Forum, Baroness Beeban Kidron urged world leaders to build on the Global Digital Compact and renew their commitment to a digital future that works for children.
UK’s regulator Ofcom launches the country’s first Children’s Online Safety Code
The launch of the first Code marks a significant development in creating a safe digital environment for children, but, it’s not job done.