Working with Allies
The impact of the digital world on children’s well-being is high up the political agenda. CMF, our allies and aligned organisations are keeping the momentum moving and growing. CMF Executive Group member Jackie Edwards highlights some key reports.
5 Rights have marked the 5th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Comment No.25 and its influence on policy, regulation, advocacy and research globally via an online event. Sessions focussed on children’s rights in the digital environment relating to the rapid adoption of educational technology, online risks, resilience and mental health and the real-world impacts of digital regulation. The conference can be viewed here.
Two reports were also launched at this conference:
- 5 Rights: Building a digital environment designed with children in mind: an international best practices blueprint – a ractical blueprint providing governments, policymakers, and regulators with actionable guidance for the realization of the standards set out in UNCRC General comment No. 25.Alongside this report, over 55 leading organizations and experts from all world regions have signed a joint letter calling on world leaders to hold tech companies accountable for ensuring that digital technology impacting children is rights-respecting and age-appropriate by design and default.
- Digital Futures for Children: Mapping the global impact of the UNCRC’s General comment No. 25 –Detailing how General Comment No. 25 has influenced the recognition, interpretation and realisation of children’s rights in the digital environment across international, regional and national systems since its adoption in 2021.
Meanwhile, Internet Matters have published their 5th annual report on their ongoing survey that tracks the impact of digital technology and online spaces on the lives of 1,000 children and their families. Children’s Wellbeing in a Digital World. Unsurprisingly, the key finding is that children are struggling to regulate the amount of time they spend online which is having a negative impact on their wellbeing.
- Children now spend 23 hours online each week, up from 16 hours in 2022 – with the inclusion of new activities like the use of AI tools and livestreaming
- 46% continue scrolling, gaming or watching even when they’re not enjoying it
- 59% stay up late on devices
- 40% turn down real-world social opportunities to stay online
- 45% are skipping sport or exercise in favour of screen time
Harm remains stubbornly high with 68% of children reporting experiencing at least one form of harm online.
On a positive note, the report notes more openness between children and parents in conversations about online safety.
Report Card for Big Tech: How Are Platforms Performing on Child Safety? The Online Safety Act: Are Children Safer Online?