As part of the event “Créixer en digital: drets, propòsit i co-responsabilitat”, held on 17 February 2026 and promoted by the Chair for Socially Responsible Digital Innovation at Esade and the Exea Impact Foundation, the session “Screens & Rights: why children’s digital rights matter today” took place.

The conversation featured Leanda Barrington-Leach, Executive Director of 5Rights Foundation, and was moderated by Rita Mota, professor in the Department of Society, Politics and Sustainability at Esade. The session highlighted a key reality: children are growing up in a deeply digital environment. As noted during the discussion, one in three internet users is a minor, and digital technologies are already embedded in essential areas such as education, play and social relationships.

The dialogue addressed the challenges posed by this early and continuous exposure to technology. Issues related to platform design and the risks affecting the well-being, safety and autonomy of children and adolescents were discussed. The conversation helped situate the debate on children’s digital rights within the current context.

The session also included a reflection on regulation and technological responsibility, emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate design and the need to move towards digital environments that are safer and more respectful of children’s development.

We invite you to watch the full session and reflect on the challenges that the digital environment poses for children.

Link