Children are not an algorithm
By Carolina Piñeros Ospina* - [email protected]
TL;DR
- The pandemic led to increased digital device usage by children, blurring age and time barriers.
- Early and excessive use of digital devices poses risks to children's mental health and exposes them to various online crimes.
- There's an urgent need to restrict device usage by age, space, and time, utilizing parental controls and family dialogues.
- Tech companies design digital environments to maximize user engagement and data collection for commercial and potentially illicit purposes.
- Resources like Te Protejo and Te Guío are available to report and seek guidance on child protection issues.
- Colombia needs regulations requiring tech companies to create safer online spaces for minors, with proactive content detection and age verification.
- The responsibility for children's digital safety should not fall solely on families and schools; tech companies must be regulated.