In an era where digital technologies shape nearly every aspect of daily life, children and young people are growing up more connected than any previous generation. Across the European Union, most youth use the internet daily and encounter digital environments from an early age. This connectivity opens pathways for learning, creativity, and social engagement, yet also exposes young people to increasingly complex and global risks. While many thrive online, nearly one in three reports feeling unsafe. Violations of privacy, exposure to disturbing content, unwanted sexual approaches, and cyberbullying are becoming more common. At the same time, Europe has emerged as a major hub for hosting child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including newer forms such as deepfake abuse content and AI-generated “DeepNudes.” Without effective safeguards, the digital world can shift from a space of opportunity to one of harm.
This book explores how law, policy, and institutional practice can address these urgent challenges. It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the legal frameworks governing online safety for minors across Europe, enriched with insights from the United States, and evaluates how effectively current regulations protect children in an evolving digital landscape. Through comparative legal analysis, it highlights best practices, persistent gaps, and the growing need for internationally coordinated approaches.
Beyond legislation, the book examines the shared responsibilities of technology companies, service providers, and civil society. How effective are current measures? Where do they fall short? And what innovations are needed to better safeguard young people’s rights, privacy, and well-being?
Ultimately, the book offers essential guidance for policymakers, researchers, and educators. It underscores a central message: only with forward-looking, robust regulation can the digital world remain a place where young people can explore, grow, and participate safely — with their rights fully protected.