The Spanish government has proposed a new law to protect children from online threats, including virtual restraining orders for felons, raising the age for opening social media accounts, and implementing health screenings for teenagers to identify emotional disorders. Justice Minister Félix Bolaños emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s well-being and security, as well as maintaining family tranquility.
Recent cases of sexual violence and abuse linked to the internet have prompted public concern in Spain, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez describing the situation as an “authentic epidemic” of pornography targeting minors. The bill prohibits cellphone use in elementary schools, requires high schools to justify cellphone use for educational purposes, and increases the minimum age for opening a social media account from 14 to 16.
The proposed law also introduces specific crimes for sharing pornographic material with minors, the creation of deepfake images targeting victims with sexually abusive content, and grooming by sexual predators. Convicted criminals who use the internet for felonies would face virtual restraining orders and bans from certain online activities.
Furthermore, technological companies will be required to install age verification and parental controls on social media and video-sharing applications. Teachers will receive training on internet safety to educate students, and public awareness campaigns on digital addiction, abuse, and privacy concerns will be launched. Catalina Perazzo of Save The Children emphasized the importance of integrating responsible digital application use into the curriculum to prevent online abuses. The government will need the support of other parties to pass the proposed law.
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