Protecting and Prioritizing Children’s Rights and Safety in Digital Environments

Digital advancements are significantly impacting children’s lives and rights. Globally, one-third of children and youth are online. Children’s distinct developmental stages, their often-limited political voice, and the lasting or even transgenerational effects of negative experiences during childhood make their situation unique. 

Digital environments that work for adults may create risks for children. We see how the rapid uptake and development of digital technologies have not been accompanied by the legislation, services, and education required to ensure their safe and empowering use. 

As leaders adopt the Global Digital Compact and other pivotal normative frameworks to govern the digital space, UNICEF welcomes the opportunity to engage with stakeholders to build an equitable digital future that maximizes children’s well-being while mitigating the risks of harm.

UNICEF calls on all stakeholders to:

• Prioritize children’s rights in the provision, regulation, design, management and use of digital technologies;
• Incorporate children’s views and perspectives across these efforts;
• Strive to deliver a digital world that protects children’s rights and best interests, prioritises their safety and well-being, and helps them to reach their full potential.

Read UNICEF’s full set of recommendations for the Global Digital Compact.

How does UNICEF work to promote children’s rights and safety in the digital world?

UNICEF is mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. We have a presence in over 190 countries and territories. Digital technology is increasingly integral to children’s lives, and consequently, it is central to our work. 

UNICEF leverages the digital environment to support the realization of children’s rights, while working with governments and other partners to address both existing and emerging risks. Across all regions, UNICEF works to advance legal and policy reforms that align with international human rights standards and protects children from recognized and emerging risks of violence in the digital environment. UNICEF also focuses on the professional development of frontline workers and policymakers – including those in social services, health, education, and law enforcement – enabling them to better prevent and respond to child protection threats in the digital age. UNICEF supports educational and other initiatives that empower children, parents and communities with essential skills and knowledge. We also promote responsible business conduct and develop practical tools such as those to support child rights impact assessments and due diligence. 

UNICEF designs and supports multi-country research on how children interact with digital technologies and engages with businesses and other stakeholders to better understand challenges and opportunities in relation to children’s rights. We analyze the impact of emerging trends in technology and frontier technologies on children, using foresight to better anticipate and shape child-centred digital futures. UNICEF also works for and with children to include their voices and opinions in discussions that shape the internet they want and need. Based on these insights, we offer guidance and future-oriented policy recommendations for both governments and industry; convene stakeholders to facilitate dialogue and action; and raise awareness on emerging child rights issues in relation to the digital environment. Finally, UNICEF advocates to develop and maintain all child protective software and platforms as digital public goods to ensure open access and faster global adoption of digital products that protect children’s digital safety.