Flagship report

The State of the World's Children 2017

Children in a Digital World

Mansoor,12, watches the virtual reality documentary ‘Clouds over Sidra’ with a big grin, outside a UNICEF-supported Makani centre in the Za’atari camp for Syrian refugees, in Mafraq Governorate, near the Syrian border.

UNICEF/UN051295/Herwig

Available in:
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Highlights

As the debate about whether the internet is safe for children rages, The State of the World’s Children 2017: Children in a Digital World discusses how digital access can be a game changer for children or yet another dividing line. The report represents the first comprehensive look from UNICEF at the different ways digital technology is affecting children, identifying dangers as well as opportunities. It makes a clear call to governments, the digital technology sector and telecom industries to level the digital playing field for children by creating policies, practices and products that can help children harness digital opportunities and protect them from harm.

Executive summary

The report's executive summary, also available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic for download on this page, examines how digital technology has already changed children’s lives – and explores what the future may hold. It also argues for faster action, focused investment and greater cooperation to protect children from the harms of a more connected world.

Interactive web feature

View the digital report.

Please contact: pubdoc@unicef.org