‘If I don’t give him the cell phone, he throws a tantrum’: reform to the Childhood Code seeks to curb the use of social networks among minors under 15 years
A proposed reform in Ecuador aims to regulate social media usage for minors under 15, requiring companies to verify ages and promoting parental controls.
In Ecuador, a reform initiative is underway to address the growing concern over children's exposure to social media. The proposed changes to the Childhood Code aim to regulate the age at which children can engage with social networks, mandating that companies implement age verification processes. This is seen as an important step toward safeguarding minors from the potential dangers associated with unrestricted online access.
The reform is particularly poignant in the context of modern parenting, where many children, like the daughter of Karla Espinoza, are introduced to screens at a very young age. Espinoza's experiences reflect a common scenario where parents find it challenging to manage their child's screen time and exposure to digital content. The proposed legislation strives to empower parents by advocating for parental control measures that can help mitigate risks linked to excessive screen time and inappropriate content for children.
As this reform moves forward, it highlights the broader implications of digital literacy and safety in the lives of minors. Supporting the regulation of children's access to social media aligns with a growing movement across various countries to safeguard young users. If successful, this reform could set a precedent in Ecuador and inspire similar approaches in other nations facing the same challenges regarding youth and technology.