‘Twisted Toys’ campaign highlights harms children face online

Date: 8th July 2021
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The new campaign asks people to imagine a scenario where all the harmful features of the digital world are also present in traditional toys. It uses a range of imaginary ‘Twisted Toys’ – including a ‘Share Bear’ and ‘Stalkie Talkie’ – to  illustrate that the digital space often does not have the same safety standards for children as their real-world toys do.

While the digital environment has opened up a range of positive opportunities for children, it has also brought new risks.

Being immersed in a digital playground designed without safety in mind, leaves children vulnerable to bullying, unwanted contact and exploitation. As such, the 5Rights Foundation is calling for:

• Recognition that all people under 18 are children.
• All apps and services should be safe for children by design and default.
• Children’s data should not be collected for commercial purposes.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted its General Comment 25 (2021) on children's rights in relation to the digital environment, which recognises the opportunities that the digital environment can offer to children, whilst emphasising the importance of minimising the risks of harm.

Find out more about this campaign here.