Children’s Drawings Reveal the Hidden Dangers of Online Platforms

A new campaign titled “Childhood Redrawn” is using the innocence of children’s drawings to expose the growing risks young people face online.

Created by young creatives from Innocean Berlin in partnership with the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) and the 5Rights Foundation, the campaign calls on lawmakers to demand stronger protections for children across digital platforms and connected devices.

Turning Childhood Imagery Into a Powerful Warning

The campaign uses primary school-style drawings to visualize how technology and social media are negatively shaping childhood experiences, behavior, and emotional development.

At first glance, the visuals appear playful and innocent. But paired with stark messages such as “Kids are drained by content they should never be addicted to” and “Kids are promoted content they should never come across,” the campaign quickly transforms into a critique of algorithm-driven digital environments.

This contrast between childlike imagery and serious warnings creates immediate emotional impact across OOH and digital formats.

A Campaign Designed to Push Policy Change

Beyond awareness, “Childhood Redrawn” is directly tied to a public petition from the 5Rights Foundation.

The initiative demands lawmakers introduce stricter child safety regulations for technology platforms, including mandatory child safety certification, stronger protections against personalization for users under 13, and tougher penalties for services that expose children to harmful content.

The campaign positions advertising not only as a communication tool, but also as a driver for legislative and societal change.

Outdoor Advertising With Social Purpose

The campaign launches on digital screens in Brussels before expanding across Belgium, the UK, and Germany through donated media placements from Bauer Media, Amplifi Global, JCDecaux, and HYGH.

Designed in 23 languages, the campaign demonstrates how OOH can amplify public-interest messaging at scale while remaining emotionally engaging and culturally adaptable across multiple markets.

Audio and video versions are also planned later in the year, extending the campaign beyond static media into broader digital storytelling.

Advertising as a Force for Social Change

“Childhood Redrawn” is the first initiative created through EACA’s Campaign4Good program, an initiative launched to encourage agencies and young creatives to develop campaigns focused on societal issues.

Rather than promoting a product or service, the campaign highlights the role advertising can play in influencing public opinion, encouraging policy discussion, and bringing attention to the unintended consequences of digital technology on younger generations.

By combining emotional storytelling, simple visuals, and public advocacy, the campaign transforms children’s drawings into a striking call for safer technology design.