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Children's Best Interests in Digital Policy and Practice: From the Voices of Children, Youth and Experts around the World

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Children's Best Interests in Digital Policy and Practice: From the Voices of Children, Youth and Experts around the World
Language: English
Authors: Bella Baghdasaryan, Steven Vosloo, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti (Italy), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
Source: UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti. 2026.
Availability: UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti. Via degli Alfani, 58, 50121, Florence, Italy. Tel: 39055-20330; Fax: 39055-2033220. email: florence@unicef.org; Web site: https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 81
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: Google LLC
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Childrens Rights, Electronic Learning, Foreign Countries, Childrens Attitudes, Childhood Interests, Educational Policy, Educational Practices, Child Safety, Trust (Psychology), Accountability, Participation, Privacy, Data Use, Empathy, Inclusion, Sense of Belonging, Digital Literacy, Artificial Intelligence, Equal Education, Access to Education, Access to Information, Barriers, Self Expression, Well Being
Geographic Terms: Brazil, India, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Spain, Uganda, United States
Abstract: The principle of the best interests of the child ('the Principle') is increasingly invoked in digital policies, regulations and corporate commitments worldwide. Yet, despite its growing prominence, there is still limited guidance on how the Principle should be understood and implemented in relation to the digital environment. Children's perspectives remain largely absent from these critical debates, even though they are uniquely placed to articulate how digital technologies shape their lives and what they require for digital spaces to truly serve their interests. In recognition of the urgent need for formalized, rights-respecting consultation with children to ensure that policies, regulations and digital products reflect their lived experiences and voices, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Office of Strategy and Evidence -- Innocenti launched the "Best Interests of the Child in Relation to the Digital Environment" project. The project is aimed at capturing the views of a diverse group of children on how they understand the Principle in relation to the digital environment, what they believe is or is not in their best interests online, and how they envision a digital future that better supports their rights and well-being. This report draws on consultations with more than 200 children across seven countries (Brazil, India, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Spain, Uganda and the USA), alongside insights from youth and experts, and brings forward children's lived experiences of the digital world. The report outlines a set of priorities grounded in children's own "wishes" for a digital environment that serves their best interests, alongside actionable recommendations for governments and technology companies. These include stronger accountability, child-centred design, investment in digital literacy, and inclusive, equitable access to digital technologies.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED680127
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The principle of the best interests of the child ('the Principle') is increasingly invoked in digital policies, regulations and corporate commitments worldwide. Yet, despite its growing prominence, there is still limited guidance on how the Principle should be understood and implemented in relation to the digital environment. Children's perspectives remain largely absent from these critical debates, even though they are uniquely placed to articulate how digital technologies shape their lives and what they require for digital spaces to truly serve their interests. In recognition of the urgent need for formalized, rights-respecting consultation with children to ensure that policies, regulations and digital products reflect their lived experiences and voices, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Office of Strategy and Evidence -- Innocenti launched the "Best Interests of the Child in Relation to the Digital Environment" project. The project is aimed at capturing the views of a diverse group of children on how they understand the Principle in relation to the digital environment, what they believe is or is not in their best interests online, and how they envision a digital future that better supports their rights and well-being. This report draws on consultations with more than 200 children across seven countries (Brazil, India, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Spain, Uganda and the USA), alongside insights from youth and experts, and brings forward children's lived experiences of the digital world. The report outlines a set of priorities grounded in children's own "wishes" for a digital environment that serves their best interests, alongside actionable recommendations for governments and technology companies. These include stronger accountability, child-centred design, investment in digital literacy, and inclusive, equitable access to digital technologies.