Embedded Files
Embed children’s best interests in product development, design and policy.
The idea of ‘best interests’ as a primary consideration is fundamental to a child rights framework. It requires a balancing act across the full spectrum of children’s rights as well as the rights of others, also taking into consideration the contexts of use. Consequently, ensuring children’s best interests includes giving at least equal consideration to children’s wellbeing, growth, development and agency as to the interests of other stakeholders including businesses.
This is one of 11 child rights principles applicable to the digital environment. Together they encompass the full range of child rights covered by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Summary of the key evidence from ySKILLS
Summary of the key evidence from ySKILLS
ySKILLS findings showed that the main variables that account for higher levels of digital skills were socioeconomic status (SES), gender, age, time spent online, preference for online social interaction, self-efficacy, personal attitudes towards the internet use, and parental mediation (only on technical skills).
Put differently, the findings show that young people who are most disadvantaged offline because of lower SES or migration are also more disadvantaged online.
Gender is a key form of perceived difference and inequality: boys and gender-diverse youths report having greater information skills, while girls report greater communication skills. However, when ySKILLS tested their skills via practical tasks, there was no difference in digital skills between boys and girls.
“I made a Facebook account to try to contact my family, but I was sadly unsuccessful because they … don’t even have internet. I am keeping it in case I can find them one day.” (Sudanese teenager, UK)
“With digital skills we are able to use the internet for our benefit and also to protect ourselves.” (teenager, Portugal)
ySKILLS is an EC-funded research network aiming to identify the actors and factors that undermine or promote the wellbeing of children aged 12–17 in a digital age. More about ySKILLS
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