60%
Lack of commitment
Companies not publicly committing to ensuring product safety and responsibility in relation to children’s specific needs
Are Technology Companies Doing Enough to Protect Children’s Mental Health?
Global Child Forum
A global mental health epidemic exists among children & teenagers in 2024
Our Benchmark Report 2024 examines how the world’s technology and telecommunications giants are approaching this critical issue and asks: how seriously are these companies taking their responsibilities towards our youngest and most impressionable generation?
An estimated 11.2 million young people under the age of 19 in Europe suffer from a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. And the trajectory is worsening, according to UNICEF.
The triggers are vast, with the cost-of living crisis, increasing wars and instability around the world and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic being some of the most significant. The dramatic rise in digital platforms and apps, and their prevalent use among children, is also seen as a strong contributor.
A complex and evolving web of impacts
The products and services offered by technology and telecommunications companies bring myriad negative and positive impacts, which can be difficult for companies to determine and monitor.
Watch the video below for a breakdown of some of the risks and potential opportunities presented by these technologies.
Accessibility note: You can find a text-based version of the video (suitable for screen reading software) here.
How can digital technologies impact children?
Watch to find out more
Concerning trends
As part of our 2024 benchmark study we examined the Technology & Telecommunications sector, including consumer-facing technology companies within the following industries:
- B2C electronics
- B2C IT services & software
- Telecommunications companies
There were some troubling findings, including the stark conclusion that many leading technology companies around the world have not disclosed publicly that they are ensuring product safety and product responsibility in relation to the specific needs of children – who represent a key consumer group.
Benchmark 2024 findings at a glance
Take a look below for an overview of the numbers.
Children’s mental health
Technology & Telecommunications sector in numbers
81%
Children not considered
Companies not committing to responsible marketing and labelling for children as a specific consumer group
56%
Poor understanding of impact
Companies failing altogether to report on the impact of their products and services on children
The way forward
Greater regulation in the Technology & Telecommunications sector is both needed and expected, especially for the more consumer-facing companies. But companies should look beyond this, to how they can truly harness their technologies and vast influence for good. Collaboration will be key for making progress: collaboration with peers to share best practice and guidance; collaboration with child-focused organisations, educational institutions and research institutions to understand the complex impacts of their technology and how to manage them. Working with the end-users themselves – children and their parents – to understand their evolving needs, will also be critical.
There is no quick or easy solution for tackling the growing mental health crisis, but technology and telecommunications companies must acknowledge the role they play in protecting children’s well-being, beyond the obvious online safety aspects. These companies have enormous potential for steering the digital revolution towards the positive end of the spectrum for children’s mental health.
Want to know more?
Download the Benchmark Report 2024 below for more detailed insights and takeaways, and check an individual company benchmark score.
Benchmark Report 2024
The State of Children’s Rights & Business
Read the full report for more in-depth analysis on our findings, and the child rights issues facing Technology & Telecommunications companies today.
Click to DownloadWhich companies are performing well?
Find out whether your company or investment is setting the pace or lagging behind on child rights.
Enter the company name in the search field to find out its latest benchmark score, or visit the 2024 score table. You can find the full list of companies benchmarked here.
Go further
Focus on: Tech & Telecom
Take a deep-dive into the performance of the Technology & Telecommunications (T&T) sector in our 2024 benchmark study.
To the Sector OverviewTogether we can drive positive change
Tools & services to improve your business
The Corporate Playbook
Embedding Children’s Rights in ESRS Reporting - a guide developed with support from the LEGO Group
The Workbook
Learn how to protect, support and integrate children's rights at every level of your business
Industry Risk Tool
Gain an overview of the children's rights risks associated with each industry
Global Child Forum
Press Release
Click below to read the Benchmark Report 2024 press release:
Global Child Forum Urges Tech & Telecom Giants to Prioritise Youth Safety Amid Escalating Mental Health Crisis