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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5Rights speaks at opening of Lost Screen Memorial in European Parliament as EU considers stronger online protections
The Lost Screen Memorial brings the stories of children affected by online harms to the European Parliament, as policymakers consider what meaningful action is needed to make technology safer for children.
TikTok preliminarily found in breach of the DSA over harmful ‘rabbit holes’ effect of its ‘For You’ feed
5Rights welcomes the European Commission’s preliminary findings against TikTok over the ‘rabbit holes’ effect of its recommender system.
Nebraska takes OpenAI to court in first US Age-Appropriate Design Code case against an AI company
Nebraska is seeking to hold OpenAI accountable under its Age-Appropriate Design Code in a case that could extend children’s protections to AI services.
Child online safety certification for advertisers to be available from 2027
A new training and certification scheme for brands and advertising agencies, supported by 5Rights, will launch in 2027 to promote responsible advertising practices and strengthen children’s online safety.
