Shaping the Future of Children's Wellbeing in The Digital World
THE framework
The Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework transcends "do no harm" by aligning essential safety standards with active resilience-building.
By addressing cognitive, emotional, and ethical needs, it offers a modular and age-sensitive blueprint for developers and policymakers worldwide.
It’s time to move past the legal floor and toward a digital future where children truly thrive.
MANIFESTO & PROJECT OVERVIEW
Shape the Future for Less: 48-Hour Pilot Entry Sale
As we move the Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework into its official pilot stage, we are offering a limited window for new partners to join at a significantly reduced rate.
Standard Pilot Fee: £950
Flash Sale Rate: £600 (Save £350)
Ensure your product is part of the founding 2026 cohort.
Offer ends Thursday at 12 Noon GMT.
Apply code CDWSALE at checkout.
What next? - Thrive Digital Alliance (TDA)
Moving beyond "harm reduction" requires a collective effort. We are delighted to announce the imminent launch of Thrive Digital Alliance - a global community of organisations and individuals committed to creating digital experiences that help children truly flourish.
From Manifesto to Market: Join the Pilot
Don’t just read about the future—help build it. We are now inviting forward-thinking brands to stress-test the framework through our Exclusive Pilot Accreditation. Demonstrate your commitment to children’s wellbeing and gain a first-to-market competitive advantage.
collaborative, cross sector expertise. Thank you to everyone involved.
Meet Our Working Groups
Games & Interactive Entertainment
| Matthew Hughes | New Horizons – Wrexham PRS |
| Amanda Taselaar | Red Games Co. |
| Dan Flannery | Red Games Co. |
| Dr. Ridhi Sethi | Dr B R Ambedkar University Delhi |
| Nicola Jenkins | The Red Affect Ltd |
| Greg Alkalay | ClassIQ |
| Jules Esquivel | The Wellbeing Designer |
TV, Video, & Streaming
| Jacqui Fishman | Start A Buzz Marketing |
| Steve Smith | Beakus |
| Alison Stewart | The Children’s Media Foundation |
| Hannah Hagon | Unplugged Tots |
| Roger Shakes | Media Tech Partners |
| Trevor Klein | Fully Novel |
| Diondra Brown | Independent Contractor |
| Will Maurer | Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab (CMRRL) |
Immersive & Emerging Media (AR, VR, Metaverse)
| Matthew Picton | Dubit |
| Nikki Stearman | Xploro |
| Jaimie Freeman | Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London; Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, University of Cambridge |
| Emma Taylor | Embers the Dragon |
| Wendy Rootring | NaLuna Studios |
| Zelda Yanovich | Fam studio |
Publishing and Educational Technology (EdTech)
| Acey Holmes | BoredLess |
| Cansu Oranc | Upily |
| Andrea Garciaherrera | Montessori Global Education |
| Emily Hanson | First News |
| Bill Shribman | Chickens on the Roof |
| Ysanne Heald | Yellow Door & Teem Education |
| Jules Esquivel | The Wellbeing Designer |
Connected Toys & Physical–Digital Hybrids
| Yesim Kunter | Yesimkunter ltd. |
| Wayne Fromm | Fromm Works Inc. |
| Lisa Whitaker | LM Whitaker Consulting LLC |
| Natalie von Teichman | miindfully™ |
| Heather Welch | Edx Education |
| Sandra Beale | Toddler and Early Years STEM |
| Vijaya Madhuri | VM Design Ltd. |
| Sonia Tiwari |
Social & Communication Platforms
| Mila Lesh | WildWorks |
| Camilla Elton | |
| Sophie Hughes | SuperAwesome |
| Aaron Lipman | SUPER. (Super Ideas Marketing) |
| Charlotte Aynsley | Family Online Safety Institute |
Meet Our Advisory Groups
Scientific & Ethics Council
| Rob Hughes | Tandem (Early Ideas Limited) / LSHTM |
| Francis McGlone | Manchester Metropolitan University |
| Jennica Li | University of Wisconsin – Madison, PBS Wisconsin |
| Melanie Manning | Doctoral Student/ Global Director at Media Matters for Women |
| Ruairí Lewis | Leeds Libraries Service |
| Jenny Gibson | University of Cambridge Centre for Human Inspired AI |
| Sonia Tiwari |
| Zelda Yanovich | Fam studio |
Industry Implementation Council
| Marina Mello | BBC |
| Ahren Hoffman | MESH Helps |
| Alanna Powers-O’Brien | Family Online Safety Institute |
| David Kleeman | Dubit |
| Jen MacLean | Dragon Snacks Games |
| Katie Goldstein | SuperAwesome |
| Lotte Elsa Goos | Fair Tales Collective |
| Lucy Williams | Childhood is Now |
| Caroline O’Dwyer | Paramount |
| Niral Parekh | Capital One |
| Diondra Brown | Independent Contractor |
| Will Maurer | Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab (CMRRL) |
Children, Families and Schools Council
| Karen Chetwynd | Montessori Global Education |
| Jo Morton-Brown | |
| Nicki Karet | Sherbert |
| Sajita Setia | Transform Medical Communications Limited |
| Sam Clough | SuperAwesome |
| Nicky Cox | Children United |
| Vince Grogan | Video Game Producer |
| Emma Jenkins | Freelance |
Policy & Regulation Forum
| Carolyn Silberfeld | ECSDN |
| Rachel Kowert | Games for Change |
| Scotty Iseri | FUNDA |
| Leanne Proctor | Online Responsibility Network |
| Sylvia Olayinka-Olaniyi | University of Nottingham |
| Dr Sally Latham | Wikimedia UK |
| Stacey McDowall | Kidoz |
The Roadmap
The Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework follows a structured roadmap from founding stewardship to independent governance.
Led by FUNdamentally Children (2026–2027), this phase focuses on piloting certifications and open-source documentation.
By 2028, stewardship will transition to a dedicated independent not-for-profit, ensuring long-term integrity and global scalability.
Early partners now have a unique opportunity to shape these foundational standards for a safer digital future.
1. Founding Stewardship Phase (2026–2027)
Current Status: Framework in Active Deployment
The Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework is being stewarded by FUNdamentally Children during its founding phase.
This period focuses on:
- Finalising the open-source framework documentation
- Piloting certification methodology
- Establishing assessor standards
- Building cross-sector adoption
- Stress-testing governance mechanisms
- Gathering implementation data across product types
The framework itself remains open source and publicly accessible.
Why a Founding Steward?
Launching a new standard requires:
- Coordinated development
- Financial and reputational risk
- Operational oversight
- Clear decision-making authority
FUNdamentally Children is currently carrying this responsibility to ensure the framework is robust, practical and evidence-led.
This stewardship is time-bound and purpose-specific.
2. Immediate Opportunities for Industry Involvement (2026)
The next 12 months focus on collaborative build-out.
Founding Certified Partners
Organisations seeking early alignment and public leadership recognition.
Advisory Working Groups
Cross-sector input on:
- Age calibration
- Activity modules
- AI-enabled systems
- Implementation guidance
- Policy alignment
Pilot Certification Cohort
Early adopters participating in structured accreditation pilots.
Research & Benchmarking Contributors
Organisations contributing anonymised data to build the first Digital Wellbeing Index.
Sponsorship of Launch & Report
Supporting the April public launch and initial benchmarking report.
Participation now allows organisations to shape the practical evolution of the framework.
3. Governance Development Phase (2026–2027)
During the founding period, a formal governance transition structure will be developed.
This includes:
Draft constitution for independent not-for-profit governance body
Independent chair identification
Multi-stakeholder board composition design
Conflict-of-interest safeguards
Certification oversight charter
Auditor licensing framework
Public transparency mechanisms
A Governance Advisory Panel will be convened during this phase.
4. Transition Trigger Milestones
The transition to independent governance will occur once the framework reaches defined maturity thresholds:
Indicative triggers include:
- Adoption across multiple product categories
- Geographic expansion beyond the UK
- Minimum number of certified products
- Established assessor standards
- Published benchmarking data
- Operationally stable certification model
These thresholds ensure the framework is sufficiently robust before structural transfer.
5. Establishment of Independent Not-for-Profit (Target: 2027–2028)
A dedicated, independent not-for-profit entity will be established to:
- Hold stewardship of the open-source framework
- Oversee certification governance
- Maintain update cycles
- Manage public consultation processes
- Protect the integrity of the certification mark
- Publish annual transparency reports
Board composition will include:
- Independent chair
- Academic representation
- Child development experts
- Industry representatives
- Policy specialists
- Founding steward representation (non-controlling)
FUNdamentally Children will retain a defined founding role within the governance structure but will not hold majority control.
6. Framework Integrity Safeguards
The long-term integrity of the CDWF will be protected by:
- Clear separation between governance and commercial certification delivery
- Transparent certification criteria
- Published conflict-of-interest policy
- Auditor standards and licensing controls
- Annual independent review of governance
- Public reporting of certification data
The open-source framework will remain publicly accessible at all times.
The certification mark will remain protected to ensure trust and consistency.
7. Long-Term Vision (2028+)
The CDWF aims to become:
- A recognised reference standard for children’s digital design
- A benchmark for investors and procurement
- A tool for policymakers
- A trusted signal for parents and educators
- A platform-neutral framework adaptable across jurisdictions
The governance transition ensures that the framework’s authority grows beyond any single organisation.
8. Why Engage Now?
Organisations participating during the founding phase will:
- Help shape implementation guidance
- Influence governance architecture
- Contribute to the first benchmarking index
- Demonstrate leadership in digital responsibility
- Receive early recognition as founding adopters
This is a formative period in the establishment of a new sector standard.
9. Commitment To Transparency
From the outset, the CDWF is being developed with:
- Open documentation
- Public consultation pathways
- Defined governance transition plan
- Separation of framework and certification mark
- Independent oversight as a stated objective
Explore Our Digital Wellbeing Resource Bank
This Resource Bank brings together leading research, frameworks, industry guidance, and practical tools to help parents, educators, and industry professionals navigate children’s digital experiences with confidence.
As we continue building our resource bank, we invite you to share any research or materials you think should be included. Please email them to research@fundamentallychildren.com
Join industry leaders, experts, and advocates in creating evidence-based standards that genuinely support children's wellbeing online
– backed by Innovate UK.
GET INVOLVED
schedule a Call with Dr Amanda Gummer for more information
Book A Call with Dr Amanda Gummer
Discuss how your organisation can shape the framework and what founding partnership involves.
Industry-Led Collaboration
THE OPPORTUNITY
We’re creating the Children's Digital Wellbeing Framework with Innovate UK backing, and we Need your expertise.
This is an opportunity to collaborate with fellow industry leaders to develop evidence-based standards that genuinely support children’s wellbeing online.
We’re forming Working Groups and Advisory Panels to develop the framework criteria, measurement domains, and accreditation pathways.
DEVELOPING THE FRAMEWORK
Contribute your skills in the most appropriate way
This framework is designed by people who understand the reality of creating digital products for children. It’s collaborative, evidence-based, and built to support genuine wellbeing – not just tick compliance boxes.
Steering Group
Chairs of the Working Groups and Advisory Panels, Chaired by Amanda Gummer
Working Groups
Purpose: Hands-on framework development – the people doing the detailed work of creating criteria, standards, and assessment methods.
Focus: Develop the practical elements of the framework: what gets measured, how it gets measured, what good practice looks like.
Time Commitment: Monthly workshops (approximately 3-4 hours per month)
Best For: Organisations with specialist expertise to contribute
- Games & Interactive Entertainment
- TV, Video, & Streaming
- Immersive & Emerging Media (AR, VR, Metaverse)
- Publishing and Educational Technology (EdTech)
- Connected Toys & Physical–Digital Hybrids
- Social & Communication Platforms
- Platforms, App Stores & Distribution Channels
Advisory Panels
Purpose: Strategic guidance and direction – ensuring the framework aligns with industry realities and regulatory requirements.
Focus: Provide sector perspective, identify priorities, guide overall direction, and ensure the framework works for business.
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings (approximately 1-2 hours per quarter)
Best For: Senior leaders, policy experts, and organisations wanting to shape strategic direction without hands-on involvement.
- Scientific & Ethics Council
- Industry Implementation Council
- Children, Families and Schools Council
- Policy & Regulation Forum
HOW TO SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT
Three Investment Levels
Join us in shaping this groundbreaking initiative.
Choose the level that fits your organisation best.
Click to display all Investment Levels
Working Group Sponsorship
Investment Tiers:
Headline Sponsor – £25,000 (ONLY 1 available)
- Voting rights and formal voice within the Working Group
- Branding on all Working Group communications
- Early access to framework
- Invitations to all events
- Prominent position in PR activities
- Prominent recognition in final framework documentation
Contributing Sponsor – £5,000 (max. 7 available)
- Formal voice within the Working Group
- Early access to framework
- Invitations to events
- Inclusion in some PR activities
- Listed as a Sponsor in final framework documentation
Supporter – £1,000 (rolling basis)
- Early access to framework
- Invitations to some events
- Listed as a Supporter in final framework documentation
Advisory Panel Sponsorship
Investment Tiers:
Headline Sponsor – £25,000 (ONLY 1 available)
- Branding on all Advisory Panel communications
- Early access to framework
- Invitations to all events
- Prominent inclusion in PR activities
- Prominent recognition in final framework documentation
Sponsor – £5,000 (max. 7 available)
- Early access to framework
- Invitations to events
- Inclusion in some PR activities
- Listed as a Sponsor in final framework documentation
Supporter – £1,000 (rolling basis)
- Early access to framework
- Invitations to some events
- Listed as a Supporter in final framework documentation
At a Glance: Working Groups vs Advisory Panels
| Working Groups | Advisory Panels | |
|---|---|---|
|
Focus |
Hands-on framework development |
Strategic guidance and direction |
|
Involvement |
Develop criteria, standards, assessment methods |
Provide sector perspective and high-level input |
|
Time Commitment |
Monthly workshops |
Quarterly meetings + periodic feedback |
|
Voting Rights |
Yes (Headline & Contributing Sponsors) |
No (advisory input only) |
|
Best For |
Organisations with specialist expertise to contribute |
Organisations wanting strategic influence |
At a Glance: Investment Levels
| Headline Sponsor (£25k) | Sponsor (£5k) | Supporting (£1k) | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Availability |
ONLY 1 Per Group |
MAX 7 Per Group |
Rolling Basis |
|
Voting Rights |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Branding on Group Comms |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Early Framework Access |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Event Invitations |
All Events |
Most Events |
Some Events |
|
PR Activities |
Prominent Position |
Inclusion in Some |
None |
|
Framework Recognition |
Prominent |
Listed as Sponsor |
Listed as Supporting |
THE benefits
Why Join a Working Group or Advisory Panel?
Shape the Standards
Your expertise helps define what good child wellbeing practice looks like. Your real-world experience informs the framework everyone will use.
Regulatory Readiness
Demonstrate proactive alignment with evolving regulations like the Online Safety Act.
Early Implementation
Pilot the framework before public launch. You’ll be among the first to receive accreditation.
Industry Recognition
Founding partners are recognised in all framework communications and case studies.
Collaborative Network
Connect with founding partners across sectors – gaming, ed-tech, toys, safety-tech.
Build Stakeholder Trust
Independent validation demonstrates your commitment to parents, regulators, and commissioners.
Competitive Advantage
Differentiate your brand with credible, third-party accreditation that builds trust with parents, educators, and commissioners.
Influence Future Direction
Your input shapes not just the initial framework, but its evolution as digital products and regulations change.
ABOUT THE FRAMEWORK
What Makes this Different?
Industry-Led Collaboration
Your expertise shapes the criteria
Evidence-Based Methodology
Grounded in 25+ years of child development research
Third-Party Validation
Independent accreditation that builds trust
Sector Partnership
One organisation per sector ensures diverse perspectives
Practical Application
Standards that work for your business, not against it
Transparent Process
Clear criteria and assessment methods you can trust
This Collaboration is For You If:
You’re a gaming platform, toy/game manufacturer, ed-tech company, or safety-tech provider who genuinely cares about child wellbeing
You’d like to contribute your expertise to developing industry standards
Dr. Amanda Gummer
Child Development Expert
You understand that third-party validation can strengthen trust with your stakeholders
You’re interested in collaborating with peers across the children’s digital industry
ABOUT US
ABOUT DR AMANDA GUMMER & FUNDAMENTALLY CHILDREN
Dr Amanda Gummer has spent 25+ years working with gaming platforms, toy manufacturers, ed-tech companies, and digital product creators.
She understands both child development and the realities of building successful products for children.
The Children’s Digital Wellbeing Framework brings together Amanda’s expertise with Innovate UK funding and – most importantly – your industry knowledge.
Together, we can create standards that genuinely work.
We love working with brands who put children at the heart of their business strategy.
READY TO GET INVOLVED?
schedule a Call with Dr Amanda Gummer or Email us for more information
YOUR NEXT STEPS...
Book A Call with Dr Amanda Gummer
Discuss how your organisation can shape the framework and what founding partnership involves. Amanda will answer your questions and explore whether this is the right fit for your business.