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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Children should have a say in shaping the digital world
From unsafe digital products to narrow regulations, excluding children from decision-making has consequences. 5Rights Youth Council members explain what meaningful participation actually requires.
More than half of US States sue Meta over addictive design practices
As over half of US States take Meta to court, evidence is mounting that Instagram and Facebook weren’t just careless with children’s safety but deliberately designed to be addictive.
Major new study into classroom tech reveals jarring evidence gap
A major new review by the Digital Futures for Children centre warns that while educational technology has become embedded in classrooms, the evidence needed to understand its wider impact on children has failed to keep pace.
5Rights elects new Youth Council
5Rights is strengthening its commitment to meaningful child participation through its newly elected Youth Council, bringing together 26 young people from 18 countries to ensure children’s views are heard and reflected in the organisation’s work.
