In an increasingly connected world, the use of the internet by children and adolescents has raised global concerns about safety in the digital environment. Exposure to inappropriate content, excessive social media use, and the collection of personal data are just some of the challenges families face. In response, several countries are implementing measures to protect minors. In this article, we will explore what is being done in Brazil, Canada, and Europe to protect children and adolescents online world.
Brazil: Advances in Legislation and Parental Control
In Brazil, the protection of minors on the internet is primarily centered around two key pieces of legislation: the Marco Civil da Internet and the General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
Marco Civil da Internet (Law No. 12,965/2014): Considered the “Internet Constitution,” this law establishes the basic principles and rights for internet use in Brazil. While it is a general piece of legislation, its principles of privacy and protection against illegal content also apply to minors, providing a legal basis for the removal of harmful content from platforms.
General Data Protection Law (LGPD): In effect since 2020, the LGPD sets specific rules regarding the collection and processing of personal data, with special attention to children’s data. For minors under the age of 13, parental or guardian consent is mandatory for any activity involving their data. This measure aims to prevent the improper exploitation of minors’ personal information by tech companies.
In addition to these laws, Congress is debating bills that seek to further regulate social media use by children and adolescents, limiting exposure to harmful content and establishing clear rules for parental control.
Canada: Focus on Privacy and Combating Online Bullying
In Canada, the government is strongly committed to protecting the online privacy of children and adolescents, as well as combating cyberbullying. Some of the key measures include:
Digital Privacy Protection Law: Canada has one of the most advanced privacy laws, known as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). It regulates how companies handle the personal information of all citizens, including children and adolescents, ensuring that minors have their data protected from misuse.
Awareness Campaigns: The Canadian government also runs digital education programs, such as “NeedHelpNow.ca,” which provides resources and information for young people and families on how to deal with online abuse and bullying, and how to protect themselves from harmful behaviours on the internet.
Recently, there have also been discussions about implementing stricter regulations for social media, focusing on limiting minors’ exposure to harmful content and ensuring that platforms proactively combat the spread of child abuse material and hate speech.
Europe: Robust Regulations and Digital Rights
Europe has been at the forefront of global efforts to protect children and adolescents in the digital environment, with innovative and comprehensive laws.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): The European Union implemented the GDPR in 2018, establishing one of the highest standards in the world for personal data protection. It includes specific provisions for children and adolescents, requiring parental consent for processing data of minors under 16 (or 13, depending on the country). The GDPR mandates digital platforms to adopt appropriate protection mechanisms to ensure the privacy of minors.
Digital Services Act (DSA): In effect since 2022, the DSA regulates the responsibilities of online platforms, including the need to protect minors from illegal and harmful content. The new legislation imposes obligations on tech companies to detect, remove, and prevent the spread of harmful content, especially for children and adolescents.
Age-Appropriate Design Code (United Kingdom): Also known as “Children by Design,” this law, passed in the UK, requires digital platforms to tailor their services to be appropriate for minors. This includes reducing notifications, enforcing stricter privacy settings, and implementing mechanisms to limit screen time, ensuring a safer environment for young users.
The Role of Tech Companies
In addition to legislation, companies like Meta (the parent company of Instagram and Facebook) are under pressure to implement more effective tools to protect minors on their platforms. Meta, for example, has recently introduced AI tools to verify users’ ages and restrict inappropriate content for those under 18. These features are being gradually rolled out across various regions, including Brazil, Canada, and Europe.
However, these initiatives from tech companies are often met with skepticism, as they are frequently launched in response to legislative pressures. Children’s digital safety should not merely be a way to avoid legal penalties, but a genuine commitment to protecting the most vulnerable users.
A Shared Global Challenge
Protecting children and adolescents in the online world is a global concern, and countries like Brazil, Canada, and those in Europe are making strides in their legislation and awareness initiatives. However, the challenge remains complex, as technologies and digital behaviours evolve rapidly. It is essential that families, governments, and tech companies continue working together to ensure a safe and healthy digital environment for future generations.
While regional approaches may differ, there is a growing consensus that parental control, platform regulation, and especially the enhancement of digital intelligence skills are crucial to protecting children and adolescents from online dangers. Teaching young people to develop digital discernment, filter information, and make conscious decisions in the online environment is just as important as setting rules and boundaries. These initiatives must continue to evolve to make the digital world a safer and healthier space for everyone.
To improve your digital intelligence skills, take the First Steps for Parents test, and read the e-book Guiding Children in the Digital World.
