Children’s rights in the digital age of artificial intelligence

Every year, Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia), a regional network of child rights organisations, brings children together from across the region for the Regional Children's Meeting (RCM). It's a space where young people don't just observe conversations about their rights — they lead them.

This year's meeting focused on children's rights in the digital world. 35 youth delegates gathered at the Amara Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand from 14 to 16 August. This included two delegates from Singapore, Clarice and Xinyi, who were selected through an interview process.

What they got into

Over three days, delegates took part in four interactive learning sessions, each tackling a different dimension of children's rights.

Civil and political rights: Do young people's voices actually count?

CRC Asia opened the meeting by asking delegates to reflect honestly: how often are young people genuinely heard in decisions that affect them? Our Singaporean delegates raised something many young people here will recognise— that academic pressure often pushes other important issues, like bullying, to the back burner.

Child Human Rights Defenders (CHRDs) in a digital age

Childline Thailand introduced the concept of CHRDs— young people who actively stand up for their own rights and others'. The session explored how digital tools can be both empowering and risky, and delegates from across the region shared their concerns about rising cyberbullying and online exploitation in their countries.

Digital rights: Privacy, expression, and who's responsible

CRC Asia and Meta led a session on children's digital rights, covering privacy and freedom of expression online. Youth delegates were clear: tech companies shouldn't wait to be pushed. They need to proactively build safer online spaces, not just respond when things go wrong.

AI and why young people need a seat at the table

Save the Children closed out the learning sessions with a look at Artificial Intelligence and what it means for young people's lives— from environmental impact to ethical questions about how AI is built and who it serves. One message came through loud and clear: children need to be part of AI conversations now, not after the decisions have already been made.

Beyond the sessions: Cultural Night

The learning was real, but so was the fun! Day 2's Cultural Night was a standout— with performances and games contributed by the delegates themselves. Young people from different countries shared their culture and market booths gave everyone a chance to learn more about life across Asia. It was an evening of genuine connection.

What the delegates discussed 

Throughout the meeting, one theme kept coming up: young people want more than a consultation box to tick. They do not want to be asked for input when the outcome rarely changes. They want to be involved in decisions that affect their lives in a more meaningful manner.

That frustration is worth listening to. And meetings like RCM exist to make sure the frustration turns into something that shapes the future.

After the RCM, the girls shared their reflections at Clarice's school, Tampines Secondary School.

Check out Xinyi's vlog below: