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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View allSupporting families globally: our work with The Parents’ Network
5Rights is partnering with Archewell’s Parents’ Network to work with families of children severely impacted by online harms to call for online spaces to be designed with the needs and rights of children in mind.
DSA turns 1: more potential for advancing children’s rights
Marking one year since the DSA’s enforcement for VLOPs, we look at the
progress made by the European Commission and outline the need for strong guidelines and enforcement to protect child rights online.
5Rights challenges Meta’s inaction on AI-generated CSAM
Despite clear evidence from UK Police indicating the presence of Instagram accounts with over 150,000 followers sharing real and AI-generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), Meta has failed to take decisive action. We have issued a legal letter demanding urgent intervention.
Bridging the digital divide for children: a global call to action
Later this month, global leaders will gather to sign a Pact for the Future and commit to a new vision to address emerging challenges, including those posed by new and existing technologies. In particular, the Global Digital Compact promises a human-centred digital future for all.