Today, social media is everywhere, used by millions or even billions of people worldwide. Many apps like Instagram, Tiktok, etc., are especially popular among children and adolescents. However, companies are exploiting their vulnerability as minors by ignoring their privacy rights via digital interactions. 

Activist Baroness Beeban Kidron states that “technology is not all to blame, but the technology that should make her day better is actually making it worse.” She created an initiative, “5rights,” that’s designed to ensure children’s rights are delivered in the digital realm. These are: the right to remove, the right to know, the right to safety and support, the right to informed and conscious use, and the right to digital literacy. 

Now, technology is not all bad. It can provide support and entertainment for its users as well! Kidron’s work is not to challenge the app companies, but to make sure that privacy rights are established in the digital world. She doesn’t want “children to be kept offline but support their presence online.” 

To watch the full Ted Talk, click here! 

Ashley Bejar, UConn KIDS Research Assistant 

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