Name – Tamanna
Designation- BALLB Student from department of Laws, BPSMV , Sonipat ,
Haryana
Contact – 9350812066
Email – Tamannasrm02@[Link]
Title : Protecting the vulnerable : A critical analysis of child Rights
in the digital age
ABSTRACT :
As the digital Era is full of complexity, it is important to have some
safeguards for the protection of rights of an individual. If a person is not
enough aware about the use of internet he may exposed to harm via
social media . The most vulnerable group which is affected from the
communication revolution of internet age is children’s group .
Children are less aware about their Rights For e.g. Right to privacy etc.
Would it be okay to ban children to use social media .Children gain a lot
from the internet , but there are many children who don’t have any access
to internet , we found them somewhere left behind to compete with the
children who have access to internet. There is a lot of information at
internet which if crucial for the growth of child’s knowledge . Internet
become an inseparable part of a child’s life in digital Era, so keeping the
child away from internet can be prove as wrong .
So it is necessary to take steps to protect the right of children in the
digital Era. Is it the responsibility of the social media platform to protect
the rights of children or is it responsibility of parents to protect their
children from such harmful use of internet.
Keywords:
Education and access to information, privacy a major issue , protection
from exploitation, role of social media platforms , role of govt. , role of
parents .
INTRODUCTION
Internet is the most useful invention since decades hence it’s became an
integral part of every individual of modern world . The internet is now
being used by people of every age group including children. Children
constitutes the one – third population of the world hence one-third users
of internet are children.
Children spend their time on many social media platforms which are
unavoidable due to main source of teaching ,Learning and information.
Increased internet access by children is associated with risks and
escalation of children's rights violations. Children are must vulnerable
group and they are more prone to exploitation. There are more chances of
violation of children’s Right e.g. freedom of expression and information ,
privacy , data protection and safety .
Definition according to United Nations convention on the Rights
of the Child :
The convention defines “child” as a person below the age of 18 , unless
the relevant law recognize an earlier age of majority.
Rights refers to Fundamental human rights as these apply to everybody .
Children’s Right in the digital age :
Children’s right in digital age should be protected by ensuring that
children are safe from violence, discrimination and cybercrime . The
publication of sensitive information relating to children online is a violation
of their Right to privacy and may affect their childhood development.
UN Committee on the right of child talks about some Right those are as
following -
1) The Right to privacy: digital service should not take their (children’s)
personal information and use it in a way that is unfair and unjust or
allow others to use their Information in such a way that don’t benefit
children.
2) The Right to health , education and justice : digital technology can
help them access service, but it must be accurate and don’t
undermine their other rights .
3) The Right to participate: digital services should not be used to stop
children from saying what they think ( so long as it does not hurts
others ) Or joining others to make a better world.
4) The Right to Information : information online should be true , clear
and understandable to children – In a language they speak .
5) The Right to play and rest : Playing online should not mean that
children are targeted to do or buy things that make money for
others . It should be fun and appropriate to their age .All digital
services should be designed to give you a break .
6) The Right To be safe : Children should not be sent pictures , videos
and messages that may harm them or suggest to harm themselves.
They should be protected from anyone who contacts and may harm
them in real life .
7) Right not to be Exploited: Digital services must not target children
with advertising targeting selling your Information or allowing others
to do so. Children must be protected from violence of all sorts.
8) Right To be heard : children should be consulted on things that make
a difference in their lives.
9) Right not to be Discriminated : Children must not be discriminated
on any ground ( i.e. Gender , colour etc. )
Would it be okay to ban children to use social media :
• While a ban on the use of social media seems seductive , it may not give
parents what they want which is safer spaces for their children and for
technology companies to take responsibility.
• Children have to use technology throughout the lives and it is important
to learn how to use it responsibly .
• online spaces are one of the few ways children can interact with their
peers , which is important for their growth in digital age.
• Ban and age limit to internet is challenging to implement and may make
children more vulnerable online .
Role of social media platforms :
When the focus on protecting children from social harm it is equally
important to think about the kind of environment in which we would
like to our children to roam around online. Social media can play a
role for Protection of children online . Here are some ways they can
ensure child safety :
1) Age verification : Robust age verification processes should be
Implemented for Protection of underage users .
- User provide age related information (e.g. Date of birth )
- Verification can be done through Government issues I’d,
biometric data , third party verification services , AI-
powered age estimation.
- Verification result:
Grand access or Deny access or request for more
verification.
2) For children’s privacy : Companies should focus on designing
platforms with children’s privacy in mind . These platforms should
collect only necessary data and transparency should be
maintained. Robust security measure should be taken .
3) Parents consent can be obtained to provide access. But these
thing are not that easy , there are many challenges to
implement.
Government’s Role :
Government can Legislate or enact laws regarding the protection of
children safety and privacy online or update existing laws to address
emerging digital threats . Government can set standards for digital
services.
Protective measures :
- Online child exploitation reporting mechanism .
- Cyberbullying Prevention programs.
- Digital literacy education.
- Parental guidelines resources.
Government Initiatives
°UK - Children’s Online Privacy Protection ( COPP)
° EU – General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR)
° UK – Age Appropriate Design Code .
° Australia – esafety commissioner
Parents Role :
Parents play a vital role in protecting children's rights in the
digital age. Here are some key responsibilities:
*Monitoring and Supervision*
1. Set screen time limits and boundaries.
2. Monitor online activities and interactions.
3. Use parental control software.
*Education and Awareness*
1. Teach online safety and etiquette.
2. Discuss digital citizenship and responsibility.
3. Educate about online risks (e.g., cyberbullying, grooming).
Open Communication :
1. Encourage children to report online concerns.
2. Listen to their experiences and feelings.
3. Maintain open dialogue.
4. Demonstrate responsible digital behavior.
5. Show respect for others online.
6. Practice digital self-care.
Technical Precautions :
1. Use strong passwords and 2FA.
2. Enable device encryption.
3. Update software and apps regularly.
4. Staying up to date with new technologies.
By taking these steps, parents can effectively protect their children's
rights in the digital age.
Conclusion:
Protecting children's rights in the digital age requires a multifaceted
approach that involves governments, social media platforms, parents, and
caregivers. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize
children's safety, privacy, and well-being online. Governments must enact
and enforce robust laws and regulations to safeguard children's digital
rights, while social media platforms must implement age-appropriate
design standards, enhance privacy settings, and provide transparent
reporting mechanisms. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in
educating children about online safety, setting boundaries, and monitoring
their digital activities.
Reference:
[Link]
[Link]
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%20general%20comment%2C%20the,wide%20diversity%20of%20trusted
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[Link]
S1877050923003393#:~:text=The%20publication%20of%20sensitive
%20information,cybercrime%20activities%20committed%20against
%20children
[Link]
children-online-while-ensuring-their-right-to-access-information-presents-
complex-challenges-critically-examine-the-various-approaches-adopted-
globally-to-address-this-2/#:~:text=Answer%3A,%2C%20exploitation%2C
%20and%20harmful%20content
