CHILD LABOR AND DIGITAL ADULTIFICATION: THE NATURALIZATION OF CHILD ECONOMIC EXPLOITATION ON SOCIAL NETWORKS

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between digital adultification and child labor, focusing on the role of children as influencers on social media. The research problem consisted of understanding how early exposure to digital environments and the anticipation of adult roles favor labor practices disguised as entrepreneurship and the economic exploitation of children and adolescents. A qualitative methodology was adopted, with an exploratory and descriptive approach, based on a literature review and document analysis of national and international bills and guidelines, consulting databases such as the CAPES Periodicals Portal, SciELO, JSTOR, and Conpedi. The results indicated that digital adultification is directly associated with the early insertion of children into labor practices on social media, legitimized by discourses of autonomy and success. The absence of specific regulations for digital child labor was also noted, which increases vulnerabilities and hinders oversight. The study concluded that a regulatory framework inspired by international models, such as the Coogan Act, is necessary, providing for judicial authorization, limits on working hours, psychological support, and asset protection, ensuring the rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the Statute of Children and Adolescents, and international treaties to which Brazil is a signatory.