Minors, Social Media, and Educator Responsibility
Beatriz Izquierdo, criminology expert and member of the 50‑expert committee that advises the Government on protecting minors in digital environments, warns that “there is no measure that is a panacea” for safeguarding children online.
Beatriz Izquierdo, a lawyer specialized in criminology, told Europa Press during her recent participation in the training day “Digital Rights of Minors” organized by the Spanish Bar Association. The event focused on deepening the protection of children and adolescents in the digital sphere.
She stresses that the risk goes far beyond social networks: “Predators also lure minors through video games.”
“Families cannot be left alone; they need to be accompanied with technological solutions and legislation to protect their children. That does not exclude our tutelary work as responsible adults. We must assume our responsibility in this regard.”
“The belief ‘it doesn’t happen to me’ leaves us unprotected. If we replace it with ‘maybe it does to mine too’, we will be closer to the solution.”
“Minors are holders of the right to honor, personal and family privacy, and their own image, as well as the secrecy of communications, and we must respect them, but we also have to look after them if we suspect they may be victims online.”
“We cannot defend ourselves from what we do not know.”
Digital Violence Against Minors
Izquierdo explains that digital violence can take many forms, including:
- School cyber‑bullying
- Exposure to violent content
- Non‑consensual sharing of images
- Creation of fake profiles that lead to harassment or humiliation
- Production and distribution of manipulated, sexualized images
- Contact with online predators
She urges families to recognize that these behaviours are not isolated incidents but can constitute criminal offenses.
Stories: A Powerful Tool
“The earlier we start talking to children about online safety, the better. Stories have helped many generations discuss safety at home, and they can also be a powerful tool for protection online.”
Using stories to create a climate of trust from an early age encourages children to ask questions and report anything that worries them before they receive their first mobile device.
Warning Signs
A noticeable change in behavior is often the first indicator that a minor may be experiencing digital violence. However, many children may hesitate to disclose what is happening, so it is essential to teach them how to ask for help and reassure them that adults are there to protect, not to judge.
Supervision vs. Privacy
For very young children, leaving them unsupervised online is akin to placing them defenseless in an environment with multiple serious risks. While minors have rights to honor, privacy, and the secrecy of communications, parents and educators must balance respect for these rights with proactive monitoring when there is suspicion of victimisation.
Legal Perspective
Awareness campaigns carried out over the years by various institutions help families understand that digital offences are not minor issues; they can be reported and may constitute crimes. Parents should also be aware that overexposing children online can unintentionally jeopardise their digital rights. The solution lies in informing families about the risks rather than judging them harshly.
Personal Motivation
Beyond her legal and criminological background, Izquierdo identifies herself as “a mother who was not willing to protect only her own child.” She founded the project “Origen del mal” (Origin of Evil) years ago, adopting the motto “We cannot defend ourselves from what we do not know.” Through this initiative, she aims to disseminate knowledge and help protect children and adolescents in the digital age.
Original source: www.noticiasfuerteventura.com