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Nordic Declaration: Protecting Children’s Rights Online

5Rights has been working with partners in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden to support regional cooperation on children’s rights in the digital environment. 

The Nordic Declaration: Implementing Children’s Rights in the Digital Environment outlines a blueprint for creating a safe and enriching online world for children. Nordic countries play a leading role in implementing children’s rights as well as in thinking about digital regulation. 

The supporters of this manifesto pledge to prioritise children’s rights when implementing European and national laws regulating the digital environment. Their goal? To ensure children can thrive online. The Manifesto emphasises three core principles:

  1. All children under 18 have rights that must be protected and promoted. This includes respecting the needs of teenagers and ensuring their voices are heard.
  2. Children’s rights apply everywhere they are online. This means protecting them not just from harmful content but also from practices that might exploit their data or limit their opportunities.
  3. Children are active participants in the digital world. The Manifesto encourages creating online spaces designed with their best interests in mind.

The document goes beyond principles, outlining 15 specific standards for governments and companies to follow. 

By implementing this framework, the Nordic countries can become leaders in safeguarding children’s rights in the digital age. The Manifesto also serves as a valuable resource for other nations and organisations seeking to build a better online world for all children.