Brazil Advances Digital Education and Safety Policies for Children and Adolescents
Brazil introduces new policies and programs in 2026 to promote digital education and safer internet use among children and adolescents, addressing rising online risks.
- • Goiás Legislature reviews Bill No. 7797/26 for digital education focused on safe social media use by youth.
- • 93% of Brazilian youth aged 9-17 use the internet; 29% report online offenses, 64% of abuse reports relate to child sexual exploitation.
- • Piracicaba municipality launches Cyber Agents program to educate school children on internet safety using interactive platforms.
- • Initiatives align with national laws and emphasize prevention, education, and digital citizenship.
Key details
Brazil is making significant strides in promoting digital education and online safety for children and adolescents through new legislative and municipal initiatives introduced in 2026. These efforts address the growing digital presence among youth and aim to mitigate online risks such as cyberbullying, discrimination, and online abuse.
In Goiás, the Legislative Assembly is reviewing Bill No. 7797/26, proposed by Deputy Dr. George Morais. The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive policy promoting digital education campaigns for children and adolescents. Its goals include encouraging responsible social media use, fostering critical thinking about digital content, preventing cyberbullying and hate speech, and guiding minors on data protection and internet privacy. Morais highlighted that 93% of Brazilians aged 9 to 17 (around 24.5 million users) engage with the internet, mostly through platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. However, 29% reported online offenses or discrimination, about 30% encountered strangers online, and 64% of 2025’s digital abuse reports pertained to child sexual abuse and exploitation. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for structured government action.
Complementing this, the municipality of Piracicaba launched the Cyber Agents program targeting 4th and 5th graders in municipal schools to educate them on safe internet use. Over an eight-week course using the engaging HackShield Heroes platform, students learn about cyberbullying, fake news, scams, risk prevention, and maintaining positive digital interactions. The program incorporates regular evaluations and fosters collaboration between schools and families. Mayor Hélio Zanatta described the policy as a vital investment in prevention, education, and digital citizenship. Education Secretary Juliana Vicentin remarked on its role in preparing students and families for responsible technology use, while Professor Herika Machado noted its alignment with national legislation protecting minors online.
Together, these initiatives represent coordinated efforts at state and municipal levels to address the challenges of a deeply digitalized society by promoting safe, respectful, and informed digital participation among Brazil’s youth.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
