Building the digital world that young people deserve
5Rights is at the forefront of delivering practical change for children so they can access the digital world knowledgeably, creatively and fearlessly.
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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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 EU’s landmark law to create a safer, more accountable online environment, the Digital Services Act (DSA).
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.
IEEE analysis suggests growing global trend toward age-appropriate design
After international progress in 2025, there is growing consensus globally that digital systems must be designed with children’s rights and developmental needs in mind.
Five years of General comment No. 25: From promises to progress
General comment No. 25 gave the world a roadmap to realise children’s rights in the digital world. Five years on, the progress is real but leaders must act to systematically hold tech companies accountable.