High impact multi-stakeholders gather in Stockholm to enhance the rights of children online

The growing presence of digital technology in children’s lives requires that we think deeply about its impact. To secure a digital environment that protects and empowers children’s rights, and that supports their mental health and wellbeing, we need to adopt a child-centred approach to tech policy. To inaugurate this adoption and accelerate meaningful business actions the Nordic Child Tech Policy Alliance (NOCTA) are inviting multi-stakeholders to Stockholm to, in the presence of TRH Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden, discuss how to shape digital environments that protect and supports children’s rights.

Today, more children than ever use digital technology daily. For them, access to the digital environment has become a fully integral part of their daily lives. In the Nordic countries, children engage in activities in the digital environment for things such as leisure, to learn about the world and nourish friendships, but also because it is increasingly expected of them by parents, caregivers, schools and the public authorities. Meaningful access and use of digital technologies contributes to enhancing children’s ability to fully enjoy their rights. At the same time, it also presents numerous risks and challenges.

Unlike for physical toys or other products to be used by children; digital games, social platforms and entertainment apps are frequently launched without adequate safety measures or with consideration for children’s rights. This puts millions of children at risk, particularly those without parents, guardians or other adults who can support or guide them.

This is one effect of the digital environment being highly commercialized, with businesses like social platforms, search engines, and data brokers shaping digital tools and experiences. Therefore, it is crucial that these actors respect children’s rights and are held accountable for any adverse impacts they cause or contribute to.

To inaugurate and accelerate the child right perspective in online regulations, NOCTA have invited high level, multi-stakeholders from governments, tech-industry and civil society to Stockholm. Throughout the day the stakeholders will discuss how to best shape digital environments that protect and supports children’s rights – by making an environment keeping them safe, while allowing them to develop into their full potential.

By gathering sectors to discuss how they, together, can ensure that children are being perceived as independent rights holders and ensure children’s own views and voice matter in all decisions affecting them, we can make an important, timely and urgent change.

About NOCTA
The Nordic Child Tech Policy Aliance (NOCTA) was founded in 2024 and consist of civil society organisations from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We believe that to achieve the protection and strengthening of children’s rights in the digital environment, we will have a greater success if the Nordic countries work side by side. NOCTA is currently consisting of Børns Vilkår (DK), Prinsparets Stiftelse (SE), Bris (SE), Digitalt Ansvar (DK), UNICEF Sweden (SE) and Barnevakten (NO).

About the Event
To inaugurate and accelerate meaningful business actions the Nordic Child Tech Policy Alliance (NOCTA) is inviting multi-stakeholders to Stockholm to discuss how to shape digital environments that protect and supports children’s rights. Participating in the discussions are inter alia Henna Virkkunen – European Commissioner responsible for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, Erik Slottner - Swedish Minister of Digitalization and Karen Elleman - Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.