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 allInstagram is not doing enough to keep children safe
In response to Instagram’s latest new safety features, 5Rights believes more should be done to ensure children are fully protected on the platform.
Prince Harry appeals for a better digital future for children
In his address at the Clinton Global Initiative, the Duke of Sussex put forward a rousing appeal to hold digital platforms accountable and put an end to the online harm felt by children.
Meaningful connectivity is about more than just broadband
In attending the UNESCO Broadband Commission Annual Fall Meeting, 5Right’s Executive Director, Leanda Barrington-Leach affirmed to attendees that plans for universal broadband connectivity must ensure the development needs and well-being of children are protected.
TikTok knows it is harming children
Internal TikTok documents reveal the company is promoting addictive design and targeting children, in full consciousness of the harms of its product