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 allMalaysia set to introduce Online Safety Bill
5Rights participated in conferences in Malaysia and Costa Rica to highlight the importance of age-appropriate design in protecting children’s rights and ensuring their safety in the digital environment.
Parents should not face the battle against online harms alone
Families are concerned about the digital landscape and how it impacts children’s livelihoods. At the 57th regular session of the Human Rights Council, 5Rights advocated for the need to address these problems at the point of design.
UN adopts blueprint for AI governance
The Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on AI’s latest and final report calls for a governance of AI that promotes the development and protection of all human rights, especially children.
Child online safety at the centre of discussions in Canada
5Rights addressed Canada’s legislative efforts on children’s digital safety at a Toronto conference, emphasising global best practices and the importance of privacy and safety by design.