Child adultization, the practice of forcing children to adopt adult behaviors, responsibilities, or aesthetics, became an urgent issue in Brazil in August 2025, following reports of exploitation on social media. Influencer Felipe Bressanim Pereira, known as Felca, released a YouTube video that garnered over 30 million views, exposing cases of early sexualization and exploitation of minors on digital platforms. The phenomenon, where children are encouraged to produce content with adult appeal, such as sensual dances or heavy makeup, compromises emotional development and increases vulnerability to abuse. The discussion has mobilized Congress, parents, and experts seeking solutions to protect childhood. The practice reflects a society that projects adult expectations onto children, worsened by a lack of digital regulation and the pursuit of online engagement.
Felca’s video highlighted cases of pre-teens exploited in videos with sexual appeal, often encouraged by parents or influencers. The backlash sparked debates about stricter laws, such as the proposed “Felca Law,” aimed at punishing online child exploitation. The issue, though not new, gained visibility with the rise of social media platforms.
- Factors driving adultization:
- Pressure for engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Lack of parental supervision in digital environments.
- Algorithms promoting inappropriate content for children.
- Cultural normalization of adult behaviors in minors.
How adultization compromises childhood
Adultization occurs when children take on roles inappropriate for their age, such as wearing sensual clothing, engaging in mature discussions, or assuming family responsibilities. Pediatrician Anna Bohn, from the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, explains that this phenomenon can be subtle, like using heavy makeup, or overt, like eroticized dance routines in online videos. These practices overburden emotional and cognitive development, which is still forming.
Psychologist Camila Malcher, a child development specialist, notes that adultization reflects an adult-centric view, projecting grown-up expectations onto children. On social media, algorithms amplify inappropriate content, exposing children to harmful interactions. In Maranhão, the Civil Police recorded 315 digital crimes against minors between January and June 2025, a 12% increase from 2024.
Children from vulnerable communities are particularly at risk, facing economic pressures that lead to premature adult roles. The pursuit of digital validation, such as likes and followers, further harms self-esteem, creating a cycle of emotional dependency.
- Signs of adultization:
- Use of clothing or accessories unsuitable for age.
- Exposure to sexualized or violent content.
- Pressure to generate income or online engagement.
- Participation in activities requiring emotional maturity.
Impacts on mental and social health
Adultization has severe consequences for mental health. Studies from the Abrinq Foundation indicate that adultized children are 40% more likely to develop anxiety and depression. Psychologist Mariana Ruske, from Senses Montessori School, warns that early sexualization distorts self-image, hindering healthy relationships.
Prolonged exposure to inappropriate content can cause lasting trauma, as videos and photos remain online indefinitely. Delegate Lisandréa Salvariego, from São Paulo’s Digital Crimes Unit, notes that overexposure facilitates predator actions, with 56,204 reports of online child exploitation in Brazil in 2024.
Moreover, the pressure for digital validation affects identity formation, leading to impulsive behaviors and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. Children shaped by online metrics struggle to develop independent self-esteem.
- Emotional impacts:
- Anxiety and depression from social pressure.
- Low self-esteem due to comparisons with adult standards.
- Trauma from prolonged exposure to inappropriate content.
- Risk of self-destructive behaviors.
The role of social media in adultization
Social media platforms amplify adultization by promoting inappropriate content through algorithms. Felca demonstrated that interacting with photos of children in adultized contexts led Instagram’s algorithm to suggest similar content, creating a dangerous cycle. Monetization of child videos further incentivizes exploitation by parents and influencers.
The lack of effective regulation is a critical issue. Luciana Temer, from the Liberta Institute, advocates for strict age verification and active content moderation. In France, laws require identification for adult content access, a model Brazil has yet to adopt. The absence of robust measures allows children to be exploited for profit.
The pursuit of likes and followers shapes children’s self-esteem, fostering dependency on external validation. This competitive digital environment intensifies emotional and social risks.
- Platform issues:
- Algorithms promoting inappropriate content.
- Lack of effective age verification.
- Monetization of videos featuring children.
- Absence of active content moderation.
Measures to protect childhood
Protecting children from adultization requires coordinated efforts. Pediatrician Anna Bohn recommends limiting device access before age 13 and social media before 16. Open discussions about digital risks and fostering self-esteem are key to reducing the need for online validation.
Legislatively, Bill 2.628/2020 proposes holding platforms accountable for abusive content, requiring immediate removal. The “Felca Law,” under discussion, seeks harsher penalties for child exploitation and stricter moderation. Programs like “Navigate, Don’t Sink,” from the Maranhão Public Prosecutor’s Office, educate about digital safety.
Schools and Child Protection Councils are vital, offering digital education and psychological support. Raising awareness among parents and teachers is crucial to shift the culture normalizing adultization.
- Protective actions:
- Clear limits on device and social media use.
- Digital education in schools and communities.
- Psychological support for exposed children.
- Strict regulation of digital platforms.
Social and legislative mobilization
Felca’s video sparked unprecedented mobilization, uniting politicians like Érika Hilton and Nikolas Ferreira to protect children. A proposed CPI on social media, led by senators like Damares Alves, investigates platform and influencer accountability. Reports to Disque 100 surged after the video, reflecting public engagement.
Luciana Temer suggests adopting laws from Australia and the UK, which ban monetization of child videos. Brazil’s Child and Adolescent Statute imposes up to eight years for exploitation, but digital enforcement remains limited. National campaigns and parent training programs are steps toward changing the adultization culture.
- Ongoing initiatives:
- Proposal of the “Felca Law” in Congress.
- CPI to investigate digital platforms.
- Awareness campaigns on online safety.
- Strengthening laws against child exploitation.
