CYBERCRIME AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT: ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION'S LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

The development of digital technologies has brought numerous advantages, but it has also facilitated new forms of crime in which minors are involved, either as perpetrators or as victims. Cybercrime represents one of the greatest challenges of modern society, with children being among the most vulnerable users of digital technologies. Given the rapid expansion of the internet and increasing digitalization, minors are increasingly exposed to various forms of online threats, including abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and misuse of personal data. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the phenomenon of digital crime among minors in the European Union (EU), with a particular focus on legal aspects, prevention, and accountability. The methodology is based on a legal analysis of EU directives and regulations governing digital crime and the rights of minors, as the Union seeks to ensure comprehensive legal protection for children in the digital environment through its legislative mechanisms. However, despite the existence of legal instruments such as Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual exploitation of children, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Digital Services Act (DSA), challenges in implementation and international cooperation remain significant obstacles to effectively combating these criminal offenses. This paper examines the EU’s legal framework on cybercrime and children's rights, assesses existing protection mechanisms, and highlights opportunities for improving legislative solutions to create a safer digital space for minors. The expected research findings emphasize the need for further harmonization of legislation within the EU concerning digital crime among minors, as well as the reinforcement of preventive strategies in schools and families.