Crimes against children and adolescents on the internet have shown significant growth in recent years, reaching alarming levels in 2025. In an interview with CNNthe judge of the Children and Youth Court of Guarulhos, Iberê de Castro Dias, highlighted that the data reveal that 64% of cybercrime reports in the first seven months of the year involved sexual violence against minors. A significant increase compared to 44% registered last 19 years old previous ones.
The, highlights how online games and streaming platforms can become direct channels between abusers and victims.
Risks on digital platforms
According to the judge, platforms such as Discord e Roblox pose particular risks as they allow unknown people to approach children while playing online games. “Interactions can result not only in attempted sexual crimes, but also in cases of cyberbullying and other forms of virtual violence,” he warned.
By establishing additional obligations for digital platforms. However, the measures may not be sufficient to guarantee the safety of minors.
Protection guidelines
Parental supervision is seen as a fundamental element for the protection of children and adolescents in the digital environment. “This supervision must be built through dialogue and constant monitoring of minors’ online activities”, emphasized Iberê.
The expert recommends that parents familiarize themselves with the platforms used by their children and try to delay the moment when children start to visit digital environments that may present risks.
