Children make up 30% of the global population, but in regions like Africa, they constitute an even larger proportion—50% of the total population. Similarly, children represent a significant share of the population in the Global South, including Latin America and the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. As technology continues to evolve, increased access to affordable internet and devices has led to a surge in the number of children engaging with digital platforms and products. Some of the solutions are:
- Training
- Evidence Building
- Continuous Engagement
Problematic Code
Digital platforms and technologies used by children in the Global South often contain inherent design flaws that prioritize engagement and profit over safety and well-being. A 2024 study published in the International Journal of Current Science Research and Review highlights that many social media platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive. Features are engineered to exploit human psychology, encouraging continuous use and creating dependency. For children, this overuse fosters unhealthy behaviors, including a reliance on instant gratification, which can have long-term consequences on their emotional and social development.
