Swipe Safe: 5 Digital Rights Every Child Deserves in the Online World

 

In today’s world, childhood and technology are inseparable. From playing games and watching videos to learning and socializing online, children are navigating digital spaces more than ever before. But while the internet offers countless opportunities, it also poses risks, making it crucial to understand and protect children’s digital rights.

Did you know that children have rights in the digital world just like they do offline? In 2021, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment No. 25, which clarified how children’s rights apply in the digital environment. Let’s explore the 5 key rights every child should enjoy online:

 

🧒 1. Right to Access Information

Every child has the right to freely access age-appropriate and diverse online content, whether it’s educational resources, games, or entertainment. Access should not be limited by geography, gender, or socio-economic background.

Why it matters: This right ensures digital inclusion and supports learning, creativity, and participation in the digital age.

 

🛡️ 2. Right to Protection from Harm

Children must be protected from online threats such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful content. This includes robust privacy protections and digital safeguarding laws.

Why it matters: The digital world can expose children to dangers that impact their mental and emotional well-being. Safeguarding policies, tech design, and parental support are essential.

 

🗣️ 3. Right to Be Heard

Children have the right to express themselves freely online, to participate in decisions that affect them, and to shape the future of technology, safely and respectfully.

Why it matters: Platforms and policymakers must include children’s voices in shaping safer, more inclusive digital environments.

 

🔒 4. Right to Privacy

Children are entitled to control over their personal data, and companies must protect it from misuse. Consent, data minimization, and transparency are key principles.

Why it matters: Children often don’t understand the risks of sharing personal information online. Their digital footprints must be respected and protected.

 

📚 5. Right to Education and Digital Literacy

Every child has the right to digital literacy, the skills to navigate the online world critically and safely. This includes understanding misinformation, privacy, and how to use digital tools responsibly.

Why it matters: Knowledge is power. Digital literacy empowers children to make informed choices and protect themselves online.

 

🌍 What Can We Do?

• Parents can support digital literacy through conversations and safe-use practices.
• Educators can integrate online safety into school curricula.
• Policymakers must create child-centered digital laws.
• Tech companies should design platforms with safety and participation in mind.
• Children and youth must be empowered to lead the conversation on their digital futures.

 

💡 Final Swipe

Protecting children’s rights online isn’t optional, it’s essential. Let’s build a digital world where every child can swipe safe, speak up, and thrive.