Project report
Towards digital safety by design for children
OECD ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This report explores the concept of digital safety by design for children, examining how it is understood and implemented at international and national levels. It identifies eight key components that digital service providers should adopt to protect children online while enabling positive digital experiences. The report reviews international calls for proactive safety integration and transparent service delivery, as well as national legal frameworks that prescribe practical tools like age assurance and complaint mechanisms. Case studies illustrate the need for diverse and tailored approaches to protecting children in digital environments.
Key points
- Digital safety by design calls for proactive integration of safety measures into digital products and services
- International standards emphasize transparent, accountable and child-friendly service delivery
- National laws prescribe practical tools including age assurance and accessible complaint mechanisms
- Eight key components for digital safety by design include practical tools, measures to foster a culture of safety, and harm mitigation strategies
- Diverse and tailored approaches are needed across different contexts
Limitations
The report does not evaluate the effectiveness of any specific intervention or safety measure, so it cannot tell us what actually works to protect children online. It does not provide empirical evidence on outcomes or impacts for children.
Abstract
Child rights advocates, parents, governments, and children themselves are increasingly calling for digital safety by design, so that children can be protected online, and also benefit from positive digital experiences. However, the exact meaning of digital safety by design can be unclear. This report explores the concept, considering how it is addressed at international and national levels. Internationally, there are common calls for the proactive integration of safety measures into digital products and services, as well as for transparent, accountable and child-friendly service delivery. National laws prescribe practical tools and measures such as age assurance and accessible complaint mechanisms. Focusing on actions for digital service providers, the report suggests eight key components for digital safety by design for children, including practical tools, measures to foster a culture of safety, and harm mitigation strategies. These components are illustrated through case studies, highlighting a need for diverse and tailored approaches.