Increasingly rare in our connected world, privacy allows for internal reflection, processing of emotions, exploring interests, and many more important aspects of healthy development. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 16 protects the right to privacy for children, aiming to ensure young people everywhere have access to privacy in their day-to-day lives.
What is UNCRC Article 16 and why is it important?
Article 16 is about respecting children’s space, their conversations, and their personal data. To grow and enjoy their lives, it’s our collective responsibility to ensure young people have access to private physical and digital spaces safely at all times.
It can be tempting as a guardian or authority figure to keep an eye on your kid’s conversations but they must have some level of autonomy in their life. This helps children build their sense of self, process emotions on their terms, grow themself without fear of scrutiny or interference, avoid exploitation and abuse and feel more comfortable discussing these things.
Privacy and safety in the digital landscape
As important as privacy is, it can’t come at the expense of safety. While globalisation and interconnectedness have brought more opportunities and information to the younger generations, they also bring constant challenges to their well-being. In a world buzzing with social media and online chatter, it's essential to shield children from unwarranted intrusions into their digital lives. UNCRC Article 16 helps us balance the need to protect children while also respecting their growing independence.
As with all other rights in the UNCRC, the right to privacy is limited in that it will not be respected if it infringes on the rights and safety of others or the child in question. For example, law enforcement may view a young person’s emails with a warrant generally in Western countries if there’s suspicion that the child or someone they’re in contact with has or is intending to harm someone. If you’re wondering how to balance a child in your life’s personal safety and privacy, the best thing you can do is educate them on safe practices online and in person and be vigilant for any changes in behaviour that may suggest they’re being abused and/or exploited.
How Save the Children fights for privacy
As well as driving awareness and changes at a government level, we're committed to turning the principles of UNCRC Article 16 into real-world actions. Through our various initiatives, like the Domestic and Family Violence Refuges in Australia, and our child protection work in Laos, we're making sure that every child's right to a private, safe space is upheld.
In Queensland, our refuges are safe harbours for children and families escaping domestic violence. Here, we protect the privacy and dignity of those who have been forced to flee their homes. Our approach respects each child’s individuality and story.
Our work in Laos is another testament to our commitment. We're educating communities about child rights and actively building systems that protect children from abuse to help ensure their right to privacy and safety is respected.
How can you help champion children's privacy rights?
By joining voices with organisations like Save the Children, advocating for responsible digital policies, and educating others about the importance of these rights, you can make a real difference. Your support can help transform the lives of children in Australia and around the globe, donate today or explore other ways to give and help children across the world today.