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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Digital Fairness Act: a real step forward for the protection of children, but gaps remain
5Rights Foundation welcomes the European Commission’s proposal for a Digital Fairness Act (DFA) as an important step towards ending the commercial exploitation of consumers, including children, online. But leaving education technology out of key protections, and an unclear interplay with the EU KIDS Act, risk weakening its promise.
Tech companies are increasingly shaping how children are taught in UK schools, report warns
A major new report has warned that tech companies, driven by commercial interests, have inundated UK classrooms and are reshaping education, as schools navigate a growing range of platforms without sufficient independent evidence, consistent guidance or oversight.
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.
