High stakes for children as DSA negotiations enter final round

 
One-third of primary-school-age children and half of teenagers fear they are addicted to digital services. Additionally, 10% of 12–13-year-olds believe they are addicted to porn, and 15% of children have stolen money to fund loot box purchases in online games.

Leanda Barrington-Leach is the Head of EU Affairs and the 5Rights Foundation.

Parents are struggling, teachers are struggling, children suffer, and mental health professionals see the impact. Together, they ask for a change to the digital world that was not designed with children’s interests in mind.

The principle is not in dispute: children must be protected, and their rights apply online and offline. The European Parliament and Council agree that tech companies should ensure a high level of safety, privacy, and security for children. (...)