A child's letter to the digital world.
Samia wrote this piece as a direct address from a child, and from Innocence herself, to everyone in a boardroom who has ever made a decision about technology without thinking about who it reaches last. Read it. Then add your name. Then read what needs to happen next.
A CHILD’S MANIFESTO TO THE DIGITAL WORLD
Dear adults,
From where I sit, I feel small.
I know you like to create new things and explore new paths. And you talk about stuff I don’t always understand.
When we’re at home, I see you on your phones and computers, doing everything online.
The internet is fun for me too, but some people there are mean. I hope you can keep them away so I can play with my friends.
Sometimes, the games I play ask for money I don’t have. And they show me that I need weapons to win. Is that why I’m here? To learn how to kill people?
Sometimes, the places I visit show naked people. They stare at me and do things that make me feel weird inside. Can’t we find other things to enjoy?
I want our internet to be a safe place. I want to play games, watch videos, and talk to my friends.
Wait, I hear some shouting. Oh, look! Ms. Innocence just walked in. She wants to tell you something.
— Ms. Innocence speaks —
“My name is Innocence. Why are you trying to kill me?
I am the purity and playfulness of children. Together, we’re full of joy, love, and hope. Always trusting. Don't try to separate us.
How, you ask?
You neglect your responsibility to protect children, who can be influenced by content that's not meant for their age or targeted by adults who may abuse them.
You tear us apart with violent games, riddled with addictive triggers and crafty strategies to trap them for your financial gain. They don't belong to your violence, and you shouldn’t profit from it.
You expose them to thoughts that make them doubt their worth through oppressive beauty norms and excessive sexualization. They don't belong to sex or your unrealistic standards.
You deprive them of stories celebrating virtue and goodness.
You deny them the chance to connect with nature and animals.
In your race for innovation, you've neglected to make the digital world safe for these little ones. Your 'progress' has led to a minefield of deceptive designs, pedophilia, and exploitation. Stop wasting time in boardrooms with endless discussions and sophisticated arguments.
There's only one stance that matters: protect children and their innocence.
Make decisions that preserve their kind smiles and daring hearts.
Approve measures that shield them from harm.
Change all you can—even what you thought was unchangeable.
For if you let me fade away, childhood will lose its magic. The sparkle in their eyes will dim, and your world will grow darker.”
Sincerely, a child and her Innocence.
Sign the Manifesto
Add your name to the call for protection.
This manifesto is a collective statement. Every name attached to it is one more voice saying: children deserve better from the digital world than what they have now.
What Needs To Happen Next
The manifesto names the problem. But naming it is not enough.
Samia has also mapped what a real response looks like: a four-part framework for action that involves everyone with the power to change how children experience the digital world.
Four Strategic Measures
1. A powerful manifesto
A declaration giving voice to children's digital experiences. It is a rallying cry for a paradigm shift in how we build and govern the digital world.
2. Groundbreaking research
Original investigation into the immediate and long-term effects of AI and digital technologies on children's cognitive, emotional, and social development
3. An eye-opening media production
A media production that makes the risks visible far beyond policy circles, because reading about harm falls short of seeing it made undeniable.
4. Embedding child protection in tech
Direct engagement with data platforms, app stores, and AI providers to make child-safe design a standard, not an afterthought.
Children's experiences in the digital environment
The full case for urgent, coordinated action. It includes documented real-world cases, the evidence base behind the four measures, and a proposal for the ecosystem-wide response children deserve.
Take the Next Step
Samia's research is available to read, share, and build on. If it connects to work you are doing in policy, technology, or education, she is open to conversation.