Enabling children and young people
to access the digital world creatively,
knowledgeably and fearlessly
Introduction
Introduction
The
anddigital
digital
technologies
created
vast opportunities
forand
children
and young
people
to learn, to communicate
The internet
internet and
technologies
havehave
created
vast opportunities
for children
young people
to learn,
to communicate
and
to
explore.
But
along
with
the
innumerable
benefits
come
new
challenges
and
risks
including
open
sharing
of personal data,
and to explore. But along with the innumerable benefits come new challenges and risks including open sharing of personal
data,
invasions
ofprivacy,
privacy,
bullying
exposure
to content
adult content
and contact.
invasions of
bullying
andand
exposure
to adult
and contact.
Enabling children
and
young
people
to deal
challenges
and engage
knowledgeably
with the digitalwith
world
is the
bestworld
way to is the best way
Enabling
children
and
young
people
to with
dealthe
with
the challenges
and
engage knowledgeably
the
digital
ensure the full potential of the internet is realised.
to ensure the full potential of the internet is realised.
This document sets out the iRights framework, which provides a set of principles by which governments, corporations, adults,
This
document
sets
out the
iRights
framework,
which
provides iRights
a set of
principles
by which
governments,
corporations, adults,
parents
and young
people
should
negotiate
their online
engagement.
reflects
the rights
embodied
in several different
parents
and young
should
negotiate
online
engagement.
iRights
reflects
the
embodied
in several different
international
treatiespeople
and within
the existing
laws their
of many
countries.
Here we bring
them
together
andrights
present
them in the
international
treaties
and within
the existing
many
countries.
Here
we bring
them together and present them in the
context of digital
technologies
in language
that willlaws
reachofout
to a larger
audience
within
civil society.
context of digital technologies in language that will reach out to a larger audience within civil society.
We look to a future where the internet and digital technologies are designed, delivered and consumed with these rights in mind,
making it a more empowering space for children and young people. A future in which all children, regardless of gender, race,
We
look to a future where the internet and digital technologies are designed, delivered and consumed with these rights in mind,
disability, socio economic position or place of birth - enjoy the same rights.
making it a more empowering space for children and young people. A future in which all children, regardless of gender, race,
disability, socio-economic position or place of birth - enjoy the same rights.
The iRights envisages a future where the fundamental right of children and young people to access the digital technologies
The
iRightsknowledgeably
envisages a future
where is
the
fundamental right of children and young people to access the digital technologies
creatively,
and fearlessly
fulfilled.
creatively, knowledgeably and fearlessly is fulfilled.
Why We
Why
WeMust
MustAct
Act
The internet and digital technologies has become the decisive organising technology of our world. No child or young person1
The
internet
digital
technologies
become the decisive organising technology of our world. No child or young person1
should
be left and
out of
the huge
opportunity has
it represents.
should be left out of the huge opportunity it represents.
Children and young people are often presented as digital natives – with fast thumbs able to summon up the knowledge of the
world in an
instant,
build
a million
fromastheir
bedroom,
or topple
corrupt
regimeable
withto
a tweet.
Yet the
Children
and
young
people
are dollar
oftencompany
presented
digital
natives
– withafast
thumbs
summon
uplatest
the knowledge of the
research
shows
that
far
from
being
at
the
forefront
of
the
digital
revolution,
many
young
people
remain
on
the
lower
‘rungs’
of
world in an instant, build
a
million
dollar
company
from
their
bedroom,
or
topple
a
corrupt
regime
with
a
tweet.
Yet the latest
digital understanding. 2 They lack the skills and knowledge necessary to benefit from the immense opportunities on offer as they
research
shows that far from being at the forefront of the digital revolution, many young people remain on the lower ‘rungs’ of
move between spaces that
2 are heavily limited and others where ‘anything goes’.
digital understanding. They lack the skills and knowledge necessary to benefit from the immense opportunities on offer as they
move
between
thatserved
are heavily
limited
and
others
where
‘anything
Our young
peoplespaces
are poorly
by a public
debate
which
is falsely
polarised.
We goes’.
are told there is a stark choice to be made
between freedom and protection. In the analogue world we balance this choice by giving children clear rights so that they can
flourish
in apeople
safe andare
supportive
yearswhich
ago weisrecognised
the HumanWe
Rights
all children
youngchoice to be made
Our
young
poorly environment.
served by a Twenty
public five
debate
falsely polarised.
areoftold
there isand
a stark
3
people byfreedom
adopting the
Convention In
onthe
the analogue
Rights of the
Child.we
The
iRights principles
contextualise
these rights
for the
digital
between
andUN
protection.
world
balance
this choice
by giving children
clear
rights
so that they can
world. in a safe and supportive environment. Twenty five years ago we recognised the Human Rights of all children and young
flourish
people by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child3. The iRights principles contextualise these rights for the digital
In demanding digital rights we are not only concerned with the developed world, where the vast majority of young people are
world.
already online - nor have we forgotten those who by geography, poverty, disability, culture or some other barrier are digitally
disenfranchised. Digital access is a powerful tool of enfranchisement. Universal access is the goal. However as we find ourselves
In
demanding digital rights, we are not only concerned with the developed world, where the vast majority of young people are
urgently having to now retrofit rights on behalf of the most advantaged young people in the most advantaged parts of the globe –
already
online – nor have we forgotten those who by geography, poverty, disability, culture or some other barrier, are digitally
it is worth noting – the temptation for vulnerable communities to trade rights for access - and make sure that those not yet on line
disenfranchised.
Digital
access
is afrom
powerful
tool of enfranchisement. Universal access is the goal. However, as we find ourselves
are are fully supported
digital
citizens
the start.
urgently having to now retrofit rights on behalf of the most advantaged young people in the most advantaged parts of the globe,
4
iRights
represents
a broadthe
coalition
of civil society,
including communities
children and young
people
themselves.
we
must
guard against
temptation
for vulnerable
to trade
rights
for access – and make certain that those not
yet
areto
fully
supported
fromfor
the
start. digital world for children and young people, from birth to 18,
Theonline,
signatories
these
principles digital
agree tocitizens
be advocates
a better
by reviewing their own policies for the design, provision or consumption of digital content and technologies in the light of the five
4
iRights
iRights. represents a broad coalition of civil society, including children and young people themselves.
www.irights.uk
Signatories, including politicians, parents, teachers, corporations, and young people themselves, have come together to support the
The
signatories to these principles agree to be advocates for a better digital world for children and young people, from birth to
promise of a better internet for children and young people.
18, by reviewing their own policies for the design, provision or consumption of digital content and technologies in the light of the
five iRights. Signatories, including politicians, parents, teachers, corporations, and young people themselves, have come together
Nations the
(1989) Convention
on the
of the Child,
Article 1, as for
every children
human being below
age of 18 years,
unless under the law applicable to the child,
to1 United
support
promise
ofRights
a better
internet
andtheyoung
people.
majority is obtained earlier.
2 Livingstone, S., Haddon, L., Görzig, A. and Olafsson, K. (2011) EU kids online: final report. EU Kids Online, London School of Economics & Political Science, London, UK
3 United
Nations
(1989)
Convention
on the Rights
of the Child.
(UNCRC)
1 4United
(1989) doc,
Convention
on the Rights of the Child, article 1, as every human being below the age of 18 years, unless under the la
Young Nations
Person’s iRights
October 2014
applicable to the child, majority is obtained earlier.
2 Livingstone, S., Haddon, L., Görzig, A. and Olafsson, K. (2011) EU kids online: final report. EU Kids Online,
London School of Economics & Political Science, London, UK
3 United Nations (1989) Convention on the Rights of the Child. (UNCRC)
4 Young Person’s iRights doc, October 2014
2
Enabling Children & Young People to Access the Digital World Creatively, Knowledegeably and Fearlessly
2
Enabling Children & Young People to Access the Digital World Creatively, Knowledegeably and Fearlessly
The iRights
The iRights
The
THEiRights
RIGHT TO REMOVE
THE RIGHT TO REMOVE
Every child and young person should have the right to easily edit or delete all content they have created.
THE
RIGHT
Every
child TO
andREMOVE
young person should have the right to easily edit or delete all content they have created.
Personal
experimentation
isisshould
an
part
ofofchildhood
thethe
internet
forgets
andand
never
corrects.
It can
Every
child experimentation
and young person
have the
right
to easily development,
edit
or delete yet
allyet
content
theynever
have
created.
Personal
anessential
essential
part
childhood
development,
internet
never
forgets
never
corrects.
It
possess
an infinite
memory
of each
individual
and all
of all
their
online
actions.
Information
is collated
and presented,
typicallytypically
can
possess
an
infinite
memory
of
each
individual
and
of
their
online
actions.
Information
is
collated
and
presented,
Personal
experimentation
is
an
essential
part
of
childhood
development,
yet
the
internet
never
forgets
and
never
corrects.
It
without context, regardless of age, time passed or personal circumstance.
without context, regardless of age, time passed or personal circumstance.
can possess an infinite memory of each individual and all of their online actions. Information is collated and presented, typically
without
regardless
of age,
time passed
personal
circumstance.
Errors
of judgment,
unhappy
experiences
andor
attitudes
that
were
the
product
immaturity
saved
internet
Errors context,
judgment,
unhappy
experiences
and
attitudes
that
were
the
product
of of
immaturity
areare
saved
on on
thethe
internet
longlong
after
they have
from the
memory
of friends
and family.
This can
make
extremely
difficult difficult
for young
get away
from
after
they faded
have faded
from
the memory
of friends
and family.
This
canitmake
it extremely
forpeople
youngto
people
to get
away
Errors
judgment,
unhappy
experiences
and their
attitudes
that
werewith
the their
product
of immaturity
are
saved onun-contextualised
the internet long public
theirof
past
experience
and move
Online,
past
coexists
present,
leaving an
outdated,
from
their
past experience
and on.
move
on. Online,
their
past coexists
with
their present,
leaving
an outdated, un-contextualised
after
they
have faded from the memory of friends and family. This can make it extremely difficult for young people to get away
record.
public
record.
from their past experience and move on. Online, their past coexists with their present, leaving an outdated, un-contextualised
The
of information
information is
isan
anessential
essentialcomponent
componentofofthe
the
digital
world.
However,
it inappropriate
is inappropriate
a third
party,
public
record. of
The exchange
exchange
digital
world.
However,
it is
forfor
a third
party,
commercial
or
otherwise,
to
own,
retain
or
process
the
data
of
minors
without
giving
them
the
opportunity
to
retract
commercial or otherwise, to own, retain or process the data of minors without giving them the opportunity to retract it orittoor to
The
exchange
of information is an essential component of the digital world. However, it is inappropriate for a third party,
correct
misinformation.
correct
misinformation.
commercial or otherwise, to own, retain or process the data of minors without giving them the opportunity to retract it or to
We believe children and young people should have the unqualified right, on every internet platform or service, to fully remove
correct
misinformation.
We believe
children
andhave
young
peopleThis
should
have
the unqualified
right, on every
internet platform or service, to fully remove
data
and content
they
created.
must
be easy
and straightforward
to do.
data and content they have created. This must be easy and straightforward to do.
We believe children and young people should have the unqualified right, on every internet platform or service, to fully remove
This does not mean young people would have an automatic right to delete reproduced data or content written or produced by
data
and content
theyor
have
created.
This mustabe
easy
straightforward
to do.created or published by others, the rights of under
others.
Where
data
content
referring
orand
young
person
has been
This does
not mean
young
people
would to
havechild
an automatic
right
to delete
reproduced data or content written or produced by
18’s
must
bemean
balanced
against
the
right
ofafreedom
of speech.
It delete
ishas
however
essential
that
is others,
an
easily
route for
others.
Where
datayoung
or content
to
child
or young
person
been
created
or
published
by
the
rights of under
This
does
not
peoplereferring
would
have
an
automatic
right
to
reproduced
data
or there
content
written
oraccessible
produced
by
children
and
young
to
resolve
disputes
or young
correct
misinformation
that
does
not there
require
recourse
to rights
the courts.
18’s must
be data
balanced
against
the right
of
freedom
of speech.
It is
however
essential
is
easilythe
accessible
others.
Where
or people
content
referring
to
a child
or
person
has
been created
or that
published
byan
others,
ofroute
underfor
children and young people to resolve disputes or correct misinformation that does not require recourse to the courts.
18’s
must be right
balanced
against
thetoright
freedom
of speech.
It is however
that there
is an easily
accessible
for
It must
for under
18s
ownof
content
they
have created,
and toessential
have an easy
and clearly
signposted
wayroute
to retract,
children
people
to resolve
disputes
correctand
andyoung
dispute
online
data that
refers or
to correct
them. misinformation that does not require recourse to the courts.
It must be right for under 18s to own content they have created, and to have an easy and clearly signposted way to retract,
correct
dispute
online
thatcontent
refers to
them.
It must beand
right
for under
18sdata
to own
they
have created, and to have an easy and clearly signposted way to retract,
THE
RIGHT
TO
KNOW
correct and dispute online data that refers to them.
Children and young people have the right to know who is holding or profiting from their information, what their information is
THE
RIGHT
TOand
KNOW
being
used TO
for
whether it is being copied, sold or traded.
THE
RIGHT
KNOW
By
facilitating
a tick-box
culture
weright
are
telling
children
that
their
has little orwhat
no value.
Meanwhile is
Children
and
young
people
have
the
right
know
whoisisholding
holding
profitinginformation
fromtheir
theirinformation,
information,
what
theirinformation
information
is
Children
and
young
people
have
the
totoknow
who
ororpersonal
profiting
from
their
companies
and
organisations
gather
children’s
data
at
an unprecedented rate.
being
used
for
and
whether
it
is
being
copied,
sold
or
traded.
being used for and whether it is being copied, sold or traded.
Online entities have been collecting, selling or using the data of young people for purposes that are unknown and may be
ByBy
facilitating
a tick-box
culture
wewe
areare
telling
children
that
their
personal
information
hashas
little
or or
nono
value.
Meanwhile
facilitating
tick-box
culture
telling
children
that
their
personal
information
little
value.
Meanwhile
unwanted.
Thisa data
gathering
transfers
wholesale
rights
and
information
(however intimate)
from
the
user
to the provider, often
companies
and
organisations
gather
children’s
data
at at
anan
unprecedented
rate.
companies
and
organisations
gather
children’s
data
unprecedented
rate.
in perpetuity, perhaps even for purposes not yet determined or explained.
Online
entities
have
been collecting,
selling
using
the data
of young
for purposes
that are unknown
may be
The
terms
and
conditions
associated
withorthe
services
arepeople
routinely
long
and complex.
is and
little
Online
entities
have been collecting,
selling
or using
the provided
data of young
people for
purposes
that areThere
unknown
andchance
may be
unwanted.
This
data
gathering
transfers
wholesale
rights
and
information
(however
intimate)
from
the
user
to
the
provider,
that
any
minor
understands
their
meaning.
This
business
practice
is
exploitative
of
young
people’s
desire
and
to often
use
unwanted. This data gathering transfers wholesale rights and information (however intimate) from the user to theneed
provider,
often
indigital
perpetuity,
perhaps
even
forfor
purposes
not
yetyet
determined
or or
explained.
technology.
in
perpetuity,
perhaps
even
purposes
not
determined
explained.
The
terms and
associated
with
the information
services provided
routinely
long and complex.
There
is little
chance
Children
and conditions
young people
routinely
share
onlineare
without
understanding
what the
current
and
future consequences
The terms and conditions associated with the services provided are routinely long and complex. There is little chance that any
that
any
understands
their
meaning.
This clearly
business
practice
exploitative
of user
youngand
people’s
desire
and need
use
may
be.minor
Privacy
settings and
policies
should
outline
theisvisibility
of the
the ways
in which
theirtoactions
may
minor understands their meaning. This business practice is exploitative of young people’s desire and need to use digital
be recorded
and shared by those in their social world and by the broader community (educational institutions, companies,
digital
technology.
technology.
government, etc.). Children and young people can take more responsibility for sharing personal information if they are clear about
Children
and young
people
routinely share information online without understanding what the current and future consequences
what
it may
usedpeople
for.
Children
andbe
young
routinely
shareclearly
information
online
without of
understanding
the current
future
consequences
may
be. Privacy
settings
and policies
should
outline
the visibility
the user and what
the ways
in whichand
their
actions
may
may
be.be
Privacy
settings
and policies
should
clearly
outline
the visibility
ofover
the user
and the
ways
in which
their actions
may be
It
must
right
that
children
and
young
people
are
only
asked
to
hand
personal
data
when
they
have
the
capacity
to
be recorded and shared by those in their social world and by the broader community (educational institutions, companies,
recorded
and
shared
by
those
in
their
social
world
and
by
the
broader
community
(educational
institutions,
companies,
understand
they
are
doing
so
and
what
their
decision
means.
It
must
be
also
be
right
that
terms
and
conditions
aimed
at
government,
etc.).
Children
and young
people
can take
more
responsibility
for sharing personal information if they are clear aboutyoung
government,
etc.).
Children
young
people
take
more
responsibility
people
are written
so that and
typical
minors
cancan
easily
understand
them. for sharing personal information if they are clear
what
it may
beitused
about
what
may for.
be used for.
It must be right that children and young people are only asked to hand over personal data when they have the capacity to
It must be right that children and young people are only asked to hand over personal data when they have the capacity to
understand they are doing so and what their decision means. It must be also be right that terms and conditions aimed at young
understand they are doing so and what their decision means. It must be also be right that terms and conditions aimed at young
people are written so that typical minors can easily understand them.
people are written so that typical minors can easily understand them.
www.irights.uk
www.irights.uk
Enabling Chil
2
Enabling Children & Young People to Access the Digital World Creatively, Knowledegeably and Fearlessly
THE RIGHT TO SAFETY AND SUPPORT
THE RIGHT TO SAFETY AND SUPPORT
3
The iRights
Children and young people should be confident that they will be protected from illegal practices and supported if confronted by
THE RIGHT
TO REMOVE
Children
young people
shouldonline.
be confident that they will be protected from illegal practices and supported
if confronted
troublingand
or upsetting
scenarios
by troubling or upsetting scenarios online.
Every child and young person sho
The routine conflation between what is illegal and what is harmful is unhelpful. For that which is explicitly illegal there is no
The routine conflation between what is illegal and what is harmful is unhelpful. For that which is explicitly illegal there is no
Personal experimentation
is an e
ambiguity. Nevertheless, no child can ever be entirely safe and not every harm is illegal. It is therefore important
that children
ambiguity.
child can
ever be entirely
safe and not every harm is illegal. It is therefore important that children
learn how Nevertheless,
to stay safe byno
learning
to manage
risk.
can possess an infinite memory o
learn how to stay safe by learning to manage risk.
without context, regardless of age
Justas
aswhen
whenwe
wereduce
reducethe
thepotential
potentialharm
harmof
ofcrossing
crossingthe
theroad
roadby
byholding
holdingaachild’s
child’shand,
hand,ititisisequally
equallypossible
possibletotoallow
allowyoung
young
Just
Errorsvarying
of judgment,
people to explore digital spaces but provide education, support, guidance and representation when needed,
the unhappy expe
people to explore digital spaces but provide education, support, guidance and representation when needed, varying the
strategies by age and maturity.
after they have faded from the m
strategies by age and maturity.
from their past experience and m
TheUN
UNConvention
Conventionon
onthe
theRights
Rightsof
ofthe
theChild
Childmakes
makesclear
clearthat,
that,due
duetototheir
theirphysical
physicaland
andmental
mentalimmaturity,
immaturity,
children
require
The
children
public
record.require
specialsafeguards,
safeguards,care
careand
andappropriate
appropriatelegal
legalprotection.
protection.However,
However,when
whenmore
morethan
thanone
oneininfour
foursecondary
secondaryschool
schoolchildren
children using
special
socialsocial
networking
sites sites
have have
reported
beingbeing
upsetupset
in theinlast
and more
than than
one in
teninof
those
said
felt upset
on a
Thethey
exchange
of upset
information
is an
using
networking
reported
theyear,
last year,
and more
one
ten
of those
said
they
felt
daily basis, it is clear that our current strategies are not working.5 Provision,
while often of excellent quality,
is also often
under- to own,
commercial
or
otherwise,
5
on a daily basis, it is clear that our current strategies are not working. Provision, while often of excellent quality, is also often
funded or fragmented.
correct misinformation.
under-funded or fragmented.
We believe
children
andor
young pe
Withor
orwithout
withoutblocking
blockingsoftware,
software,young
youngpeople
peopleare
arelikely,
likely,atatsome
somepoint,
point,totobe
beexposed
exposedtotopotentially
potentiallyharmful
harmful
content,
contact
With
content,
contact
or behaviour,
whether
by accident,
through
deliberate
action,
by harmful
the harmful
maleficent
action
of others.
data and content they have creat
behaviour,
whether
by accident,
through
deliberate
action,
or byorthe
maleficent
action
of others.
This does not
mean
ItItmust
comparable level
level of
of adult
adult protection,
protection,
care
andyoung people
mustbe
beright
rightthat
that children
children and
and young
young people
people receive
receive an
an age-appropriate,
age-appropriate, comparable
care
and
others.
Where data
or content ref
guidance
contribute to
to common
common safety
safety and
and support
support
frameworks
easily
guidancein
inthe
theonline
onlinespace,
space, as
as in
in the
the offline.
offline. And
And that
that all
all parties
parties contribute
frameworks
easily
accessibleand
andunderstandable
understandable by
by young
young people.
people.
18’s must be balanced against the
accessible
children and young people to reso
THE RIGHT TO MAKE INFORMED AND CONSCIOUS CHOICES
THE RIGHT TO MAKE INFORMED AND CONSCIOUS CHOICES
It must be right for under 18s to o
correct
and
dispute
online data t
Children and young people should be empowered to reach into creative places online, but at the same time
have
the
capacity
and
support
easilypeople
disengage.
Children
andtoyoung
should be empowered to reach into creative places online, but at the same time have the capacity
and support to easily disengage.
THE
KNOW
Attention is the currency of the internet.6 Many online sites deliberately use ‘reward technologies’ to hold
andRIGHT
extend TO
attention
and deter users from leaving. Checking for6 progress in a game, a message or just ‘feeling the need’ to click,
contribute
to a norm
Children
and young
people have
Attention is the currency of the internet. Many online sites deliberately use ‘reward technologies’ to hold
and extend
attention
that sees children and young people attached, and often distracted whether in the classroom or the home.
Children
and
young
being
used for to
and
whether it is b
and deter users from leaving. Checking for progress in a game, a message or just ‘feeling the need’ to click,
contribute
a norm
people
need
to understand
that
their attention
and know the
costsin
ofthe
theclassroom
exchange. or the home. Children and young
that sees
children
and young
people
attached, has
and value,
often distracted
whether
By facilitating a tick-box culture w
people
need
to
understand
that
their
attention
has
value,
and
know
the
costs
of
the
exchange.
All generations have raised concerns about overuse of emerging media but the immersive,
interactive and portable qualities of
companies and organisations gat
digital media have fundamentally changed the dynamic between the technology and the user. Not least because all of a young
All generations have raised concerns about overuse of emerging media but the immersive, interactive and portable qualities of
Online
have
person’s interactions - educational, social, entertainment and news, coexist on the same device. This keeps
theirentities
attention
in been collecti
digital media have fundamentally changed the dynamic between the technology and the user. Not least because all of a young
constant play. As a result we are seeing children at a developmentally sensitive stage missing sleep and skipping
food
because
of
unwanted.
This
data gathering
tra
person’s interactions
- educational, social, entertainment and news, coexist on the same device. This keeps their attention in
7
internet
use.
in
perpetuity,
perhaps
even
for
pu
constant play. As a result we are seeing children at a developmentally sensitive stage missing sleep and skipping food because of
7
internet and
use.young
Children
people have a human right to access information, to communicate with others, to participate
asand
social
actors associa
The terms
conditions
and to learn. Access to the internet is essential in fulfilling these rights.8 Currently available protective software
can
improve
that any minor understands their
Children and young people have a human right to access information, to communicate with others, to participate as social actors
the online experience, especially for younger children, but it can also deny
young people valuable accessdigital
to the digital world by
8
and to learn. Access to the internet is essential in fulfilling these rights. Currently available protective softwaretechnology.
can improve the
making inaccurate judgements about the nature of particular content or online space.
online experience, especially for younger children, but it can also deny young people valuable access toChildren
the digital
andworld
youngbypeople routin
making
inaccurate
judgements
about
the
nature
of
particular
content
or
online
space.
In order to be true digital participants, children and young people should be encouraged to work, play and
participate
in settings
the
may
be. Privacy
and polic
web’s creative spaces and not have their attention held unknowingly.
be recorded and shared by those
In order to be true digital participants, children and young people should be encouraged to work, play and participate in the
government,
etc.).
Itweb’s
mustcreative
be rightspaces
that the
commercial
considerations
usedunknowingly.
in designing software should be balanced against
the needs
andChildren and yo
and
not have their
attention held
what
it may
used
for.It
requirements of children and young people to engage and disengage during a developmentally sensitive
period
of be
their
lives.
It must
bebe
right
that
thesafety
commercial
considerations
used in designing
software
should
be balanced
against
the needs and
must
also
right
that
software
does not needlessly
restrict access
to the
internet’s
creative
potential.
It must be right that children and
requirements of children and young people to engage and disengage during a developmentally sensitive period of their lives. It
understand they are doing so an
must also be right that safety software does not needlessly restrict access to the internet’s creative potential.
people are written so that typica
5 Lilley, C., Ball, R. and Vernon, H. (2014) The experiences of 11-16 year olds on social networking sites. NSPCC
6 Tim Berners Lee speaking at Web We Want, May 14th , 2014
7 Smahel D., Helsper, E., Green, L., Kalmus, V., Blinka, L. and Ólafsson, K. (2012) Excessive internet use among European children. EU Kids Online,
London School of Economics & Political Science, London, UK.
8 United Nations (1989) Convention on the Rights of the Child
5 Lilley, C., Ball, R. and Vernon, H. (2014) The experiences of 11-16 year olds on social networking sites. NSPCC
6 Tim Berners Lee speaking at Web We Want, May 14th , 2014
7 Smahel D., Helsper, E., Green, L., Kalmus, V., Blinka, L. and Ólafsson, K. (2012) Excessive internet use among European children.
EU Kids Online,London School of Economics & Political Science, London, UK.
8 United Nations (1989) Convention on the Rights of the Child
www.irights.uk
www.irights.uk
Enabling Children & Young People to Access the Digital World Creatively, Knowledegeably and Fearlessly
4
Enabling Children & Young People to Access the Digital World Creatively, Knowledegeably and Fearlessly
4
THE RIGHT TO DIGITAL LITERACY
THE RIGHT TO DIGITAL LITERACY
To access the knowledge that the internet can deliver, children and young people need to be taught the skills to use, create and
THE
RIGHT
DIGITALthat
LITERACY
critique
digital
technologies,
andinternet
given the
tools
to negotiate
social
norms.
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access
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knowledge
the
can
deliver,
childrenchanging
and young
people
need to be taught the skills to use, create and
critique
technologies,
thecan
tools
to negotiate
changing
social
norms.
To
accessdigital
the knowledge
that and
the given
internet
deliver,
children
and young
people
need to be taught the skills to use, create and
Digital technologies are used to socialise, to work, to play, to communicate, to learn and to explore. In short, they affect every
critique
digital
technologies,
and
given
the
tools
to
negotiate
changing
social
norms.
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of a young person’s
To be a 21st
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citizen
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means
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to their
fullest potential, young people should be
aspect
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child’s
to an education
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all individuals
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toevery
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with right
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world not that
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as makers,
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and people
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as
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and
consumers
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confident
and
skilled
enough
to
create websites, apps, games and other materials.
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digital
world,
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a
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actors
spaces,
and the
ability
to manage
new social
norms and
their
reputation
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a widening
gap
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the potential
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and
theown
reality
of youngonline.
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the potential
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understand
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orchestrates
certain responses.
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thatreality
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in how
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adults
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as thethat
components
of digital
literacy.
understand
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certain
responses.
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a big change
in how young people are
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educated and
and aa commensurate
commensurate change
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what adults
understand as
the components
of
digital
literacy.
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in what
adults
as themakers
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ofas
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that children and young
people
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how to be digital
as well
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Summary
Summary
Summary
Articulating these iRights provides a common framework for the principles by which digital technology should be designed,
Articulating
these
iRights
a
framework
for
the principles
principles
bywhich
whichdigital
digital
technology
shouldbe
be
designed,
delivered and
consumed.
Embedding
them into
the DNAfor
of the
the
digital
world
depends
on action
by allshould
parties:
industry,
Articulating
these
iRights provides
provides
a common
common
framework
by
technology
designed,
delivered
and
consumed.
Embedding
them
into
the
DNA
of
the
digital
world
depends
on
action
by
all
parties:
industry,
government,
parents,
teachers
and
young
people
themselves.
delivered and consumed. Embedding them into the DNA of the digital world depends on action by all parties: industry,
government, parents, teachers and young people themselves.
government, parents, teachers and young people themselves.
The iRights principles interweave to tackle the multiple issues of digital engagement. We believe that the internet and digital
The
iRights principles
to tackle
the multiple
issues of digital
engagement.
We believe
that the internet
and
digital
technologies
need tointerweave
be designed,
delivered
consumed
the iRights
framework,
and therefore
young,
in digital
mind.
The
iRights principles
interweave
to tackle
the and
multiple
issues with
of digital
engagement.
We believe
that thethe
internet
and
technologies need to be designed, delivered and consumed with the iRights framework, and therefore the young, in mind.
technologies need to be designed, delivered and consumed with the iRights framework, and therefore the young, in mind.
As a clear and joined up framework, iRights would, if implemented as standard, create a transparent and empowering digital
As a clear and joined up framework, iRights would, if implemented as standard, create a transparent and empowering digital
world
forand
children
and young
people.
As
a clear
joined
framework,
world
for children
andup
young
people.iRights would, if implemented as standard, create a transparent and empowering digital
world for children and young people.
www.irights.uk
www.irights.uk