The digital environment presents a unique set of threats to children. However, it also serves as a valuable platform for accessing knowledge, fostering communication, developing essential skills, and enhancing future career prospects.
While it is important to ensure that children are protected when using technology, the measures for their protection should be proportionate to their understanding of the possible risks as they mature.
example Many websites have rules limiting the age of users. While it makes sense to limit the access of an 8-year-old to social media, it makes less sense for adolescents.
example Phones and certain applications provide a capacity to use parental control settings. This should be slowly phased out to respect a child’s privacy as they grow up.
States have an obligation to have relevant legislation and policies in place to prevent technology from being used in ways that may cause or contribute to violations or abuses of children’s rights.
States should protect children from harmful or untrustworthy content. In Lithuania, initiatives like “Clean internet” and “Friendly internet” exist to remove dangerous content and to spread awareness.
example Any instances of child pornography will be swiftly removed and a pre-trial investigation will usually be commenced.
Children, technology & Human rights
The increasing integration of technology into children’s lives raises considerations about their human rights. These developments may affect a child's right to private life, as their online activities and data become increasingly accessible and tracked. Moreso, their right to freedom of expression and access to information is impacted within digital spaces, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring that children understand how to exercise their rights and are guided on how to use technology is important for their protection, well-being and development.
Violence & Harassment
The digital environment opens new ways to perpetrate violence against children. Sexual offenders may use digital technology to solicit children for sexual purposes and to participate in online child sexual abuse. Children may also face harassment, bullying and other forms of violence.
example Children may be tricked into creating and sharing sexualised content like sexting.
States must take legislative and administrative measures to protect children from violence in the digital environment.
About this section
This section describes how to get help in specific situations where a child interacts with technology.