Global
5Rights works across the globe to raise awareness of children’s internationally-established rights and fight for their robust and coherent implementation, so all children are safe and can thrive.
Overview
Children everywhere use the same tech, face the same problems, and have the same rights. A global, equitable, solution is needed. From the UN to the African Union, from Jakarta to Buenos Aires and Ottawa, a coherent body of global standards and best practices is taking shape with our support.
“Every young person from each part of the world including the Global South needs access to a safe, inclusive, and empowering digital environment”
Aminah, 13
Children’s experiences
Globally, one in three internet users is under 18. Nearly 2.5 billion children are growing up in a world where the boundaries of the physical and the digital are increasingly blurred. Although the digital divide remains real and a concern, research around the world consistently shows that children are spending large amounts of time online, with three out of five spending more than two hours daily just on social media, and around half of children online fearing that they are addicted to the internet. Using global platforms and services, their experience is similar. They regularly encounter disturbing content and behaviour and often feel unsafe; more than half experience online sexual harms. The risks are compounded for the most vulnerable, notably girls, LGBTQI+ children, ethnic minorities and those with disabilities.
Our work across the World
Working with children and partners around the world, we support policy-makers and regulators at the global, regional and national levels in their implementation of children’s established rights, ensuring that platforms and services are age-appropriate by design and default, so children everywhere can thrive. Our efforts include supporting Canadian, Indonesian and Argentinian policy-makers to incorporate best practices into law, collaborating with the African Union in creating the region’s groundbreaking Child Online Safety and Empowerment Policy, and consistently advocating for coherent global standards at the United Nations.
In focus
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Latest
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Roblox tightens safety measures: is it enough for children?
Following reports highlighting child safety risks, Roblox implements new safeguards to restrict young users’ access to high-risk content. While progress is noted, concerns over user safety persist.
Instagram is not doing enough to keep children safe
In response to Instagram’s latest new safety features, 5Rights believes more should be done to ensure children are fully protected on the platform.
Prince Harry appeals for a better digital future for children
In his address at the Clinton Global Initiative, the Duke of Sussex put forward a rousing appeal to hold digital platforms accountable and put an end to the online harm felt by children.
Meaningful connectivity is about more than just broadband
In attending the UNESCO Broadband Commission Annual Fall Meeting, 5Right’s Executive Director, Leanda Barrington-Leach affirmed to attendees that plans for universal broadband connectivity must ensure the development needs and well-being of children are protected.