Brazil addresses digital safety and sleep risks for minors

Research and legislative efforts in Brazil are highlighting the risks associated with children and adolescents' digital habits. Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that having mobile devices in the bedroom is associated with shorter sleep duration and increased screen time, as the proximity of devices facilitates easy access to notifications and social media during rest periods.

Simultaneously, legislative action is being taken to address online safety. A bill (PL 8.086/26) has been filed in the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) to establish a state program aimed at training families to use security features on connected devices. This initiative seeks to teach parents how to use search filters, site blocking, and usage limits to protect minors from inappropriate content and cybercrimes.

These measures follow reports from UNICEF Innocenti, Ecpat International, and Interpol, which noted that in Brazil, approximately one in five children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 has been a victim of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, affecting roughly 3 million minors.