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Creative Media Awardee ‘No Minor Futures’ explores how youth and digital tech collide, using art for and by children

(THE INTERNET | TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022) – The internet and AI that pervade our lives is used by the many, but designed by the few. That’s especially true when it comes to young users: One-third of those online are children.

But No Minor Futures is aiming to fix that, giving younger generations the tools to better understand and utilize the internet, and ensure their experiences are heard.

No Minor Futures is a global educational campaign exploring how today’s technologies — from social media to edtech — benefit and harm children and teenagers. The project convenes young people from around the world to participate in workshops, discuss the internet’s impact on their lives, and then create media that tells their stories. The workshops were carried out in collaboration with the organizations Fix the Code, Derechos Digitales, Data & Society, Hyperaudio, Adéṣínà Ayẹni (a.k.a Ọmọ Yoòbá), founder Yobamoodua Cultural Heritage and WILD FI.

Youth participants hail from six countries: Colombia, Malta, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, and Romania. And their creations include animated stories, podcasts, educational resources, and more. For example, one video tells the story of Avery, a 12 year old in Ireland who becomes addicted to Instagram’s algorithms. And one podcast features two youths discussing the importance of giving children and teens more agency online.

The creative materials can be found here, and will continue to be released through September 12. You can engage online by tagging @jaaklac and using the hashtag #NoMinorFutures.

Says Soledad Magnone, the Uruguay-based creator of No Minor Futures: “Children are one third of people online globally, and tech companies target younger generations from an early age. Yet today’s youth have little agency or understanding about the inner workings of this industry. That’s a serious educational gap. And it’s one we’re seeking to close by encouraging key stakeholders in digital governance to co-create solutions centered in children’s protection and participation.”

Children are one third of people online globally, and tech companies target younger generations from an early age. Yet today’s youth have little agency or understanding about the inner workings of this industry.

Soledad Magnone, No Minor Futures

No Minor Futures is a creation of the JAAKLAC initiative, a Latin American-based community that convenes youth, civil society, and educators to improve the digital ecosystem.

No Minor Futures is also a 2022 Mozilla Creative Media Awardee. The project is part of a cohort that uses art and activism to interrogate and reimagine data stewardship online. Learn more about Mozilla’s Creative Media Awards here.

Press contact: Kevin Zawacki, [email protected]