Digital safety experts warn of rising risks for minors online

Authorities, educators, and specialists across several regions are raising alarms regarding the digital risks faced by children and adolescents. Key concerns include grooming, cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the potential for minors to transition from victims to perpetrators of digital crimes.

In Mexico, Deputy Ruth Maricela Silva Andraca has proposed reforms to the General Education Law to promote responsible digital use and mental health awareness. Meanwhile, the AEF-CDMX conducted a survey of 19,000 educators to understand how students use technology, noting its dual nature as both an academic tool and a source of distraction or dependency. Specialists from CAPASITS Fresnillo have specifically warned about grooming tactics used in social media and online gaming.

In Paraguay, Prosecutor Luis Albertini emphasized that parental control is the primary defense against AI-manipulated images and online blackmail. Similarly, in Spain, the Diputación de Almería and various educational initiatives in Navarra are hosting workshops to provide families with tools for digital well-being, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and modeling healthy technology habits.