IEEE Advocates for Safer Digital Environments for Children
IEEE President’s Note: Designing a Safer Digital World for Kids

Image: Ieee Spectrum - Robotics
The IEEE emphasizes the need for age-appropriate digital design as children increasingly engage with technology. With one-third of internet users under 18, global policymakers are responding to the risks posed by digital systems not designed for young users. IEEE's standards aim to bridge the gap between technology and governance.
- 01Children born after 2013 are the first to grow up fully immersed in digital systems not designed for them.
- 02IEEE's first standard on age-appropriate design was established in 2021, marking a significant step towards safer digital experiences for children.
- 03Countries like Indonesia and Brazil are leading the way in adopting age-appropriate design regulations.
- 04IEEE's Trustworthy Digital Experiences portfolio provides a framework for ethical design, data governance, and child-focused digital well-being.
- 05Governments must adopt proactive strategies to protect children online, moving from reactive regulation to evidence-based approaches.
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As children born after 2013 become the first generation to grow up fully immersed in digital environments, the IEEE emphasizes the urgent need for age-appropriate digital design. With one-third of internet users under 18, global policymakers are increasingly recognizing the risks posed by digital systems that were not designed with children in mind. The IEEE has been at the forefront of this movement, establishing its first standard on age-appropriate design in 2021, which provides a structured approach to creating safer digital experiences. Countries such as Indonesia and Brazil have already adopted regulations based on these principles. The IEEE's Trustworthy Digital Experiences portfolio aims to bridge the gap between engineering practices and policy ambitions, focusing on ethical design and child well-being. As technology evolves faster than governance, the IEEE advocates for proactive strategies to protect children online, ensuring that digital systems respect their rights and promote healthy development.
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The push for age-appropriate digital design will shape how technology companies develop products for children, influencing their online safety and well-being.
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