Digital risks for minors are growing; experts call for better education and legal frameworks to protect youth online.
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Young people are heavily involved with social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, making internet use a daily reality for many, including 97% of EU youth. Experts note that while legislation exists, access remains largely unlimited, presenting ongoing challenges for both law and education regarding attention spans, exposure to harmful content, algorithmic dangers, and image usage. Legal frameworks often lag behind technological advancements. In Spain, mobile phone ownership among young people is high, and some children spend significant time on platforms like TikTok. Parents are increasingly tasked with monitoring their children’s online activity, a role that requires technical knowledge but offers no absolute certainty. Various countries are exploring interventions, such as restricting mobile phone use in schools (like France) or banning social media for younger users (as debated in Bulgaria and Austria). While some propose strict controls like mandatory user identification to combat issues like early exposure to pornography, others emphasize education over prohibition. Some experts argue that the most secure protection comes from building trust between parents and children regarding digital life. Furthermore, concerns extend beyond violent content to include aggressive advertising and influencer marketing, leading countries like France to enact specific laws regarding child image rights and misleading ads. While Spain has recently introduced regulations concerning minors’ protection and advertising, a comprehensive regulatory approach is still lacking, highlighting the critical need for societal awareness and digital literacy among all age groups.
