O dever de proteção da infância no ambiente digital: regulação, riscos e garantias
This article analyzes the legal protection of children and adolescents in the digital environment, based on the following research question: is the Brazilian legal system effective in protecting childhood in the digital environment? The general objective is to examine the legal protection of children and adolescents in the digital sphere, and the specific objectives are to identify the risks to which this group is exposed, to analyze the applicable legislation, and to assess its effectiveness. The methodology is qualitative, based on a bibliographic and documentary review. The results show that the early and hyperconnected insertion of children and adolescents into the virtual space increases vulnerabilities such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, sexual exploitation, algorithmic manipulation, and the misuse of personal data. It was found that the Brazilian legal system has a relevant normative framework, structured on the doctrine of integral protection enshrined in the Federal Constitution of 1988 and implemented through the Child and Adolescent Statute, the Brazilian Internet Civil Framework, the General Data Protection Law, and, more recently, the Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents, established by Law No. 15,211 of 2025. However, it was also found that the mere existence of legal rules does not ensure effective protection, given the gap between technological change and the State's response, enforcement difficulties, and the transnational nature of the internet. It is concluded that the effective protection of childhood in the digital environment requires integrated action by families, the State, society, and technology companies, combined with digital education, platform accountability, and international cooperation.