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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Meta’s inadequate age assurance likely in breach of the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has found Meta’s age assurance methods on Instagram and Facebook to be inadequate and linked this failure to the company’s incomplete and arbitrary risk assessment.
Why the age debate in Europe is asking the wrong question
Across Europe, policymakers are asking what age children should be allowed online. 5Rights is asking what kind of digital environment we are prepared to offer them once they are.
Momentum for age-appropriate design grows across Latin America
From Brazil and Argentina to Colombia and Mexico, 5Rights and partners are driving momentum for age-appropriate design across Latin America, urging policymakers to turn international best practices into enforceable law.
Better EdTech Futures: Shaping Scotland’s approach to children’s rights and AI in schools
Scotland’s Government has used joint research from 5Rights and the Digital Futures for Children centre to shape its approach to children’s rights and AI in schools.
