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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Blocking explicit content for children is welcome – but the real problem is the business model
5Rights Foundation has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that technology companies will be given three months to strengthen protections preventing children from seeing or sharing explicit content, including through harmful AI-powered “nudification” tools.
Upcoming Event: Timely new book by 5Rights founder provides powerful insight into impact of tech and what we can do about it
Baroness Beeban Kidron will launch her new book Users in a live online conversation hosted by the Digital Futures for Children (DFC) centre on 25 June, bringing together leading voices in children’s rights, digital policy and safeguarding to examine the growing influence of technology on young people’s lives.
TikTok, Instagram and X exposed Latin America’s children to violent and sexualised content within minutes, new study finds
Children across Latin America may be at far greater risk online than platforms publicly admit, according to new research published today by 5Rights Foundation.
Ban social media, or make it safer? Government must put responsibility back onto tech platforms as consultation ends
As the UK Government’s consultation on Children’s Digital Wellbeing closes, 5Rights has called on ministers to respond to growing public concern about children’s online experiences with practical, enforceable measures that put safety and wellbeing first.

