As a young person exploring the digital world, it's important to know your rights. They are essential for making sure your online experience is valuable, safe and fun. This information applies to all children and young people, wherever they live and whatever their lives are like.
The internet is a powerful tool for learning, connecting, and playing, and it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. For instance, if expensive data plans are out of reach, there should be low-cost or free options available in public places.
The internet is like a massive library where you can find almost anything you need. Whether you're working on homework or learning how to treat others well online (like not promoting bullying), websites should provide clear and easy-to-understand information.
It's important to know how to keep your personal information safe online. Your personal data should only be used with your permission (or your parents' if you're very young), and you should be able to see how it's used, correct any mistakes, or delete it. For example, smart toys or devices shouldn't collect information about you without your knowledge.
You should be in charge of how you spend your time online. For example, when watching videos on YouTube, you should be able to control what you see by using settings that block inappropriate content or help you find what interests you.
Everyone deserves to feel welcome and treated equally online, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Websites and apps should be designed so that everyone, including those with disabilities or those living in rural areas, can participate. If you need extra help, it should be available to you.
The internet gives you a voice, and you have the right to share your opinions on things that matter to you. For example, if you care about climate change, you should be able to write a post or share a video expressing your views, as long as you're respectful of others.
Schools, governments, businesses and international bodies should ask you for your views and take them seriously when making decisions that affect you online (and offline!).
You should feel safe when using digital technologies. This means there are checks for age limits, you and your parents are educated about, bullying, dealing with harmful content and stranger danger, you should be able to easily report harmful content or behaviour, and child sexual abuse material online is stopped.
If you ever encounter something scary or upsetting online, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. For example, if someone is bullying you on social media, there should be clear ways to report it and get help from adults or organisations that can support you.
The internet can be a great tool for learning. Whether it's watching educational videos, joining a virtual class, or doing research for a school project, you should have access to high-quality educational resources online. Schools should have the digital technology you need, especially if you are a girl, from a low-income family, or have a disability.
Just like in the real world, you have the right to play and have fun online. This could mean playing your favourite games, watching funny videos, or chatting with friends. The digital world should be a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself safely. Governments and businesses should support your right to play, be creative, solve problems, and work together with other children.
This is a long list but even so, it doesn't cover everything. Remember the Convention on the Rights of the Child actually includes 54 rights that protect you in all areas of life, both online and offline. These are just some of the key rights to help you navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
Find out more from the resources below!