Children’s digital human rights: Another glitch in the code

Abstract

This research study, guided by scholarly articles, institutional reports, and relevant legal instruments, sought to understand what constitute digital human rights and uncover whether children possess these rights. An analysis of doctrinal research and legislation on children’s engagement and interactions with the digital world, revealed that children do possess digital human rights, though some rights require the guidance of their parents or guardians. Based on the findings and recommendations of prominent scholars, institutions and leaders on children’s rights and internet governance, this dissertation proposes that children’s existing offline rights must be applied and enforced to the internet, not just theoretically. Additionally, digital literacy education is required for both children and adults, to enhance their knowledge the rights, duties,and consequences children have on the internet, thus creating more responsible digital citizens.