The adultification of children represents a growing problem on social media, where children are exposed to or encouraged to reproduce behaviors typical of adult life. The impact of a video by digital influencer Felca brought this debate to the forefront, revealing shortcomings of the Statute of Children and Adolescents (ECA) in the face of the digital age.
Thus, this article analyzes this phenomenon from a legal and social perspective, proposing ways to strengthen the protection of children and adolescents in the virtual environment.
What is the adultification of children?
Childhood adultification occurs when children assume roles, responsibilities, or behaviors typical of adults before the appropriate time. This includes everything from sexualized exposure to inappropriate professional responsibilities. The term has been widely debated following denunciations made by digital influencer Felca, who exposed profiles that exploit minors in inappropriate contexts on social media.
The role of social networks
On social media, algorithms favor shocking or sensual content, increasing engagement and, consequently, monetization. Children displayed as child influencers or sexualized end up being victims of the monetization of childhood , when family members or content creators prioritize views over child protection.
The Felca case and its social repercussions.
Influencer Felca went viral after posting a nearly 50-minute video denouncing the exploitation of minors on social media, which garnered over 40 million views. The content led to investigations against profiles like Hytalo Santos's, account suspensions, and mobilization in the National Congress with the presentation of more than 30 bills related to digital child protection.
What does the ECA (Brazilian Statute for Children and Adolescents) stipulate regarding the protection of minors?
The Statute of Children and Adolescents (ECA) (Law 8.069/1990) guarantees full protection to minors, recognizing their "peculiar condition as developing persons" and placing their rights in a position of absolute priority in the legal order.
Article 241-D criminalizes the enticement or coercion of children for lewd purposes, with a penalty of imprisonment ranging from 1 to 3 years, while Article 244-A punishes the production or dissemination of sexually suggestive scenes involving minors.
Furthermore, the ECA extends its protection to the media , providing for sanctions for content that violates children's dignity, including on digital platforms. The principle of comprehensive protection dictates that children and adolescents be treated as subjects of rights , with priority in public policies and in the application of state law, including legal protection against forms of exploitation and adultification.
Draft laws and regulatory evolution
The protection of children and adolescents on social media has motivated several legislative proposals in Brazil. The central focus of these initiatives is to adapt the legal system to digital risks and guarantee the effectiveness of the fundamental rights of minors.
In light of the recent social mobilization, Congress is debating projects such as:
- PL 2.628/2022: proposes strict parental control measuresIt prohibits direct contact between adults and minors on digital platforms and requires... Immediate removal of inappropriate content.The aim is to establish legal barriers against abusive interactions and to preserve the psychological integrity of children and adolescents.
- PL 2.857 / 2019: toughens the fight against online child grooming, anticipating increased penalties for this type of crime. The bill seeks to strengthen the penal response to the use of technology as a means to commit illegal acts.
- PL 3.852 / 2025: known as "Felca Law", prohibits monetization of children's content on social media and imposes specific obligations on platforms to monitoring, transparency and moderation.
These proposals highlight a trend toward strengthening digital regulation focused on children , with an emphasis on preventing abuse, holding platforms accountable , and protecting the best interests of the child , as stipulated in Article 227 of the Constitution.
Given this scenario, social media platforms are assuming a fundamental role in moderating and removing content that exposes or exploits minors . Regulation is moving towards imposing objective responsibility and a duty of active vigilance , bringing the digital environment closer to the protection requirements already foreseen in the physical world, especially regarding the prevention of violations against children and adolescents.
Impacts of adultification on child development
Early exposure to inappropriate content can cause various emotional and psychological harms in children, including anxiety, depression, and distortions in their perception of themselves and the world around them . Childhood is a formative phase that should be preserved, free from adult obligations or undue exposure to standards and behaviors that are not age-appropriate.
Psychological and pedagogical studies demonstrate that adultification compromises the development of fundamental skills such as empathy, creativity, and emotional autonomy. When subjected to unrealistic aesthetic standards, sexualized discourse , or disproportionate responsibilities, children tend to develop difficulties in social relationships, school performance, and building self-esteem.
From a legal perspective, the Federal Constitution guarantees in article 227 the right of children and adolescents to full protection, which includes safeguarding against all forms of neglect, violence, exploitation, and oppression. The Statute of Children and Adolescents , in turn, reinforces this protection in its article 17, which guarantees the right to freedom, respect, and dignity, recognizing them as developing individuals.
Therefore, regulating online content and holding platforms accountable are not just preventative strategies, but constitutional obligations . Combating digital adultification requires effective public policies, digital education for parents, guardians, and children, as well as updated legislation —as demonstrated by the bills currently under debate in the National Congress.
However, it is crucial to remember that the family plays a primary role in protecting children . According to Article 227 of the Constitution itself, it is the duty of the family, society, and the State to ensure, with absolute priority, the rights of children and adolescents , including the right to education and healthy development.
Parents and guardians should act as vigilant custodians , providing guidance, setting limits, and fostering dialogue about the responsible use of the internet. However, protecting children in the digital environment cannot fall solely on the family . It is essential that schools, public policies, and digital platforms work together to promote a safe and respectful ecosystem for child development.
The closing thought
The adultification of children on social media is a worrying phenomenon that threatens healthy development and child dignity. Early exposure to inappropriate content and the encouragement of adult behaviors generate profound emotional and social impacts , requiring legal, educational, and institutional responses.
The Child and Adolescent Statute already provides for comprehensive protection , but the digital environment imposes new challenges , addressed by proposals such as Bill 2.628/2022 and Bill 3.852/2025 , which deal with the regulation of platforms and the protection of children and adolescents.
In this context, responsibility must be shared among families, the State, schools, and digital platforms. The Federal Constitution establishes the duty of all to ensure, with absolute priority, the rights of children and adolescents. Thus, combating adultification requires not only updated laws , but also digital education, active monitoring of social networks, and the strengthening of public policies focused on childhood.
References
Childhood adultification: Felca's allegations and laws in Brazil. Projuris , August 14, 2025. Available at: https://www.projuris.com.br/blog/adultizacao-infantil/.
BRAZIL. Complaint about the misuse of children's images motivates 32 bills in the Chamber of Deputies. Brasília: Agência Câmara de Notícias, August 12, 2025. Available at: https://www.camara.leg.br/noticias/1187375-denuncia-sobre-uso-indevido-de-imagens-de-criancas-motiva-32-projetos-na-camara-dos-deputados/.
BRAZIL. Law No. 8.069, of July 13, 1990. Provides for the Statute of Children and Adolescents – ECA. Brasília: Presidency of the Republic. Available at: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/L8069compilado.htm.
BRAZIL. Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil of 1988. Brasília: Presidency of the Republic. Available at: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/constituicao/constituicao.htm.
BRAZIL. Secretariat of Social Communication. Digital rights of children and adolescents. Guide: Screen use by children and adolescents. Brasília: Secretariat of Social Communication. Available at: https://www.gov.br/secom/pt-br/assuntos/uso-de-telas-por-criancas-e-adolescentes/guia/capitulos/direitos-digitais-de-criancas-e-adolescentes.
Experts warn that children cannot be a "product" of social media. Brasília: Agência Brasil, August 13, 2025. Available at: https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/geral/noticia/2025-08/especialistas-alertam-que-criancas-nao-podem-ser-produto-das-redes.
TJDFT. Principle of integral protection – rights of children and adolescents. Brasília: TJDFT, July 23, 2025. Available at: https://www.tjdft.jus.br/consultas/jurisprudencia/jurisprudencia-em-temas/direito-da-crianca-e-do-adolescente-na-visao-do-tjdft/dos-principios-e-fundamentos/principio-da-protecao-integral-direito-das-criancas-e-dos-adolescentes.
