Children and adolescents in the digital environment

A comparative study of protection in Brazil

Abstract

The health, safety, and well-being of children and adolescents are at risk due to overexposure to the digital environment. Large digital platforms either neglect this problem or offer unsatisfactory responses, especially in the Global South. To adequately and efficiently protect children and adolescents, several countries have already passed new laws imposing a clear duty of care on digital platforms. In this paper, we analyze how the issue is being addressed in Brazil, where the Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents (Law No. 15,211, of September 17, 2025) was recently approved, comparing it with other regional and global initiatives. Our understanding is that new laws need to be passed urgently as well as a consistent, comprehensive, and up-todate political agenda capable of addressing this major challenge.