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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Latest
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Paediatricians press for age-appropriate design
New guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics calls for systemic changes to platform design, with stronger defaults and protections for children.
Children face greater privacy risks today than a decade ago and tech companies are to blame
New data from 27 data protection authorities across five continents shows that children’s digital experiences have significantly deteriorated since 2015.
Snapchat under EU investigation for inadequate protection of minors
The European Commission’s decision to open a formal investigation into Snapchat marks a significant step in the enforcement of the to create a safer, more accountable online environment EU’s Digital Services Act.
Landmark verdict on Google and Meta shows why Age-Appropriate Design Codes are critical to protecting children online
A landmark jury ruling in California has found Meta and Google liable for designing products that addict and harm children.
