On January 27, France approved a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, with the regulation set to take effect in September. This move positions France as the second country in the world to implement age-based controls on social media platforms, following Australia, which restricts access for those under 16. The implementation of such regulations raises important questions about digital safety and the potential impact of unregulated technology on the youth, which is gaining traction in discussions across Latin America.

The unfolding debate in Ecuador highlights concerns over the unfiltered exposure that children have to various types of content online. Experts in digital leadership and safety have noted that social media can serve as conduits for organized crime groups looking to recruit young individuals. The discussion emphasizes not only the developmental risks posed by inappropriate content but also the broader societal implications of youth being vulnerable to manipulation through digital platforms.

Opponents of regulation argue that such measures reflect “digital paternalism,” which they believe may infringe upon individual freedoms and the inherent responsibilities of families and educational systems in guiding children's use of technology. In the National Assembly of Ecuador, a project to address these issues is currently under consideration, further fueling the debate surrounding children's rights, safety, and the influence of technology in modern society.