FOCUS
Non-discrimination
The right to non-discrimination requires that all children have equal and effective access to the digital environment in ways that are meaningful for them.
Therefore, all measures necessary to overcome digital exclusion must be taken. That includes providing free and safe access for children in dedicated public locations and investing in policies and programs that support all children’s affordable access to, and knowledgeable use of, digital technologies in educational settings, communities and homes.
Focus
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02.08.24
Survey on data protection for children
Torsten Krause, SDC
The Indian organisation CUTS International (Consumer Unity & Trust Society) is currently conducting a survey on the topics of data protection and behavioural analysis of young users in the digital environment.
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24.06.24
Shaping and regulating the metaverse in accordance with children's rights
Torsten Krause, SDC
The European Commission is continuing to prepare the market environment for virtual worlds and artificial intelligence.
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24.05.24
Happy Birthday Constitution!
SDC
In May 2024, German Constitution celebrates its 75th birthday. As a guarantee for our civil rights, it is a cornerstone of democracy and is rightly honoured not only in Germany, but has also served as a model and blueprint for the constitutions of other countries for 75 years. Spain and Portugal, but also young democracies in Europe, South America and Asia have modelled their constitution on it. And yet, something is missing from the German Constitution: Children's rights!
Scientific studies
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4. BIK Policy Map
The Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Map was created to compare and exchange knowledge on policy making and implementation in EU Member States on the themes and recommendations of the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children. The fourth report of the series was released in May 2023.
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Looking forward: Technological and social change in the lives of European children and young people
Report for the ICT Coalition for Children Online
Blum-Ross, A., Donoso, V., Dinh, T., Mascheroni, G., O’Neill, B., Riesmeyer, C., and Stoilova, M. (2018)., ICT Coalition
The Members of the ICT Coalition for Children Online have recently commissioned a new report on how relationships between technology and the cultural and social practices and institutions that affect children and young people will likely evolve.
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May 2017
Children´s and young people´s rights in the digital age
a series of articles in the SAGE journal; Vol 19, Issue 5, 2017
SAGE Journal, SAGE Journal
In Vol 19, Issue 5, 2017 of the SAGE Journal in the New Media & Society category, there are a number of contributions to children's rights in the digital age.
Additional content for: Accessibility | Digital Parenting | Vulnerable Children | Internet Governance | Internet Policy | Youth Protection | Media Education | Media Usage | Privacy | Sexting | Social Media | UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
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Official documents
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UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN-CRC)
General Assembly of the United Nations, Vereinte Nationen
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN-CRC) is the most important human rights instrument for children. It was passed on November 20th, 1989, by the General Assembly of the United Nations. It is the most ratified UN-Convention - every member state has signed it, except for the United States. The Federal Republic of Germany signed it on January 26th, 1990, and it came into effect on April 5th, 1992. The rights of children were written down in 54 articles, and oblige the state to their implementation, that is, to respect, protect and fulfill them.
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UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN-CRC) - full text
UN-Committee on the Rights of the Child, Vereinte Nationen
Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989, entry into force 2 September 1990, in accordance with article 49
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Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027)
Guide for Children and Young People
Council of Europe
This is a guide for children and young people from 12 to 17 years old to understand the main objectives of the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2022-2027).
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Revision of the EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child (2017)
The guidelines recall international standards on the rights of the child and provide comprehensive guidance as well as concrete ways to promote effectively and protect the rights of the child.
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African Youth Charter
The African Youth Charter provides a framework for youth empowerment and development activities at the continental, regional and national levels across Africa.
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The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) is an important tool for advancing children’s rights. While building on the same basic principles as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the ACRWC highlights issues of special importance in the African context.
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EU Strategy on the Right’s of the Child - Fact Sheet
The European Commission has developed a new strategy to protect children’s rights
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EU Strategy on the Right’s of the Child
The European Commission has developed a new strategy to protect children’s rights.
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General Comment No. 25 (2021) on Children’s Rights in Relation to the Digital Environment
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has published a General Comment on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment.
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Explanatory Notes on the General Comment No. 25 (2021) on Children’s Rights in Relation to the Digital Environment
Explanatory Notes on the General Comment No. 25 (2021) on Children’s Rights in Relation to the Digital Environment.
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General comment draft on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment
by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
The Committee on the Rights of the Child is currently drafting a general comment on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment. The draft of the general comment can be found here.
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Guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment
Council of Europe, Europarat
The guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment were adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 4 July 2018. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist states and other relevant stakeholders in their efforts to adopt a comprehensive, strategic approach in building and containing the often complex world of the digital environment.
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October 2012
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
European Union, Europäische Union
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union enshrines certain political, social, and economic rights for EU citizens and residents into EU law.
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Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers on the rights of the child in the digital environment
Council of Europe, Europarat
How to better respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment is at the core of the new Recommendation adopted today by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers. Building on international and European legal instruments, the text provides comprehensive guidelines for action by European governments. The digital environment shapes children’s lives in many ways, creating opportunities and risks to their well-being and enjoyment of human rights. Governments are recommended to review their legislation, policies and practices to ensure that these adequately address the full range of the rights of the child. States should also ensure that business enterprises and other key partners meet their human rights responsibilities and are held accountable in case of abuses.
Additional content for: Internet Governance | Internet Policy | UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
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March 2016
Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2016-2021)
Council of Europe
Since launching the Programme "Building a Europe for and with children", in Monaco in 2006, the Council of Europe has implemented strategies over a series of policy cycles to guide its work on children’s rights.