How to Combat Online Adultification

How Companies and Schools Can Combat Online Adultification

The internet is a universe of possibilities, but, like any powerful tool, it also presents its dangers. Recently, Felca's video " ADULTIFICATION – AND WHAT THEY DIDN'T TELL YOU " shed light on a delicate and worrying topic: the adultification and, in extreme cases, the sexualization of children and adolescents for online monetization purposes. This is not just a "content" problem; it is a serious social issue that demands the attention of parents, educators, companies, and society as a whole.

In this article, we will delve into the points raised by Felca, understand the devastating impact of this practice, and, most importantly, present some practical solutions to prevent this type of content from being consumed on your company's networks and devices, and especially to protect our children. Our goal is to empower small and medium-sized businesses, as well as schools, to create safer online environments without the need for heavy investment in complex tools.

The Shock of Reality: What the Felca Video Shows Us

Felca, with his straightforward and investigative style that we're all familiar with, opened many people's eyes to a reality that many prefer not to think about. The video begins by discussing "adultification" in a lighthearted way – like a child acting as a mini-entrepreneur, you know? – but things quickly get serious, showing the darker side of the problem: the exploitation and sexualization of children and adolescents in pursuit of clicks and money. He shows real cases that make us question: is the internet really safe for our little ones?

Keep an eye on these points that Felca highlighted:

  • Monetization at any cost: It's astonishing how the ease of making money on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Kwai has encouraged the creation of highly questionable content. The exploitation of children has become a dangerous shortcut to fame and profit, and that's serious.
  • Shocking cases: Felca spared no detail and brought heartbreaking stories, such as that of the "Bel para Meninas" channel, where a child was exposed to traumatic situations; Ítalo Santos' "reality show," which sexualizes teenagers; and the unbelievable case of Caroline Dreher, whose mother sold explicit content of her own daughter. These examples are a cruel reminder that online child exploitation is a painful reality and much closer than we imagine.
  • Algorithms and the "bubble" of pedophilia: One of the most frightening aspects is how social media algorithms can create "bubbles" of content. They end up directing suggestive material of children to those who have already shown interest, transforming these platforms into environments conducive to predators who openly exchange illegal material. It's a vicious and dangerous cycle.
  • Devastating psychological impact: Psychologist Ana Beatriz Chamati, interviewed in the video, reinforces the damage this exposure does to children's minds. It can cause lifelong trauma, mental health problems, and difficulties in building healthy relationships in the future. And when the exploitation comes from within the home, the child's basic trust is destroyed, which further aggravates the situation.

Felca didn't just report the abuse; he went out there and made a difference. He reported profiles to the police, donated the money from the video to NGOs like Childhood Brazil and Instituto Liberta, and encouraged everyone to report anonymously through the hotline 100. The updates at the end of the video show that his actions are already yielding results, with investigations underway.

Our advice: Watch the entire video. It's powerful content, yes, but it's essential to understanding the urgency and seriousness of what's happening. And please share it! The more people who know, the more people will become aware!

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The Social Problem: A Silent and Growing Threat

What Felca's video shows us is not an isolated case, but rather the tip of a giant iceberg. The adultification and sexualization of children on the internet is an invisible threat, but with consequences that can destroy lives. Here in Brazil, with so many people connected and the incessant search for likes and money, the ground becomes fertile for exploitation. We are not just talking about "inappropriate content"; we are talking about stealing a child's childhood and destroying their mental health.

For our readers, it's important to understand that this problem isn't limited to the screen. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram, which are incredibly useful, can also be used to spread Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). And what about the algorithms? They're designed to hook us, to get us engaged, and often end up prioritizing what gets the most clicks, turning a blind eye to ethics or the damage this can cause to the lives of the most vulnerable. Brazil, with its highly connected population on social media, is an easy target for this sad reality.

It's a problem that affects the whole world, but it demands that we act here, now. Reporting is fundamental, and so is education. But prevention, with tools that filter out what is harmful, is just as important. We need to create a safer digital environment for our children and teenagers. We can't wait for the problem to knock on our door; we need to go there and protect the future of our society.

Tools for Blocking Harmful Content

To combat this wave of harmful content and protect children, adults, and organizations, DNS filtering tools are our greatest allies. They act as a barrier, preventing access to malicious websites, pornography, abusive material, and other things that can cause legal and reputational problems for businesses and schools. There are many options out there, from free ones to more robust and paid ones. Our goal here is not to advertise, but rather to give you a range of possibilities so that your company or school can choose what best fits its reality and legal compliance needs.

The Power of DNS: The First Line of Defense

Think of DNS (Domain Name System) as the internet's "phone book." When you type in a website, the DNS translates that name into an address that the computer understands, and then your browser finds the website. A DNS filter comes into play, blocking access to addresses that lead to dangerous or unwanted content. It's a super effective solution because the filtering happens even before the content loads, protecting everyone connected to your network.

If you want to learn more about DNS, read and watch the video in the article DNS in Practice .

Free and Affordable Tools: Get Started Now!

If money is tight or you want to start without spending anything, there are excellent options that already offer good security:

  • Quad9 : A free and public DNS service focused on security. It blocks malicious domains such as phishing, malware, and, most importantly, child abuse sites. It's simple to set up and requires no extra installation.
  • OpenDNS FamilyShield : A free version of OpenDNS designed for families. Automatically filters pornography and adult websites. Can be configured directly on the router, protecting all devices on the network.
  • Google Family Link : It's not DNS, but it's free for Android and iOS. It allows parents to manage their children's device usage, block apps, filter websites, and control screen time.
  • Microsoft Family Safety : Free and integrated into Windows. Includes web filters, screen time limits, and blocking of explicit websites. Ideal for those already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Lumiun DNS Free : A solution developed in Brazil CSAM blocking filter , available in all plans. The Free plan is recommended for small or local networks with up to 20 users .

Paid Options and More Robust Solutions: For Those Who Need More

For businesses, schools, and institutions that need more resources, detailed reporting, and scalable coverage, there are paid options with advanced controls:

  • DNSFilter : DNS filtering solution for businesses and families, with malware and pornography blocking and comprehensive reporting.
  • Cloudflare Gateway : Part of Cloudflare's security suite, it offers DNS filtering, threat protection, and content access control. It has a free plan and premium versions with more features.
  • Cisco Umbrella : Enterprise solution that includes content filtering (pornography, malware, and CSAM). It also has simplified options for home use.
  • SafeDNS and ScoutDNS : They offer DNS filtering with categorized controls and different plans to suit your needs.
  • Lumiun DNS Pro and Education : In addition to CSAM blocking (present in all plans), they offer all available filters , advanced reports, and tailored support. They are also the only solution on the list with billing in Brazilian Reais , accepting credit cards, bank slips, and Pix (Brazil's instant payment system ). The Education plan also has special conditions to encourage educational institutions to protect their students.

Lumiun DNS: Comprehensive Protection for Businesses and Schools

Lumiun Lumiun DNS stands out in the content filtering landscape for its proactive approach and commitment to digital security at all levels. In addition to being a powerful tool for protecting children, it's essential for businesses and schools seeking to maintain a safe and law-compliant online environment. Why? Because Lumiun DNS completely free child abuse content blocking filter that acts as a barrier against content that could have serious legal implications for your organization.

This initiative is the result of a strategic partnership with Project Arachnid , an incredible tool from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Project Arachnid is recognized worldwide for its ability to detect and remove Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) from the internet much faster than any human could.

Legal Implications for Businesses and Schools

It is important to understand that, in Brazil, accessing or disseminating Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is a crime, according to the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) , in its articles 241-A, 241-B, 241-C, and also by the Penal Code . Furthermore, the Brazilian Internet Bill of Rights (Law No. 12.965/2014) establishes principles, guarantees, rights, and duties for internet use in Brazil, and although it does not detail the direct responsibility of companies for the actions of their employees, jurisprudence and legal doctrine have been moving towards holding organizations accountable that do not adopt adequate preventive measures to curb illicit activities on their networks.

Recent Updates to Legislation (2024–2025)

In recent years, Brazil has made significant progress in legislation aimed at protecting children and adolescents from abuse, including in the digital environment.

In January 2024 Law No. 14.811/2024 was enacted , creating the National Policy for the Prevention and Combat of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Adolescents. This law toughened penalties by amending the Penal Code , the (ECA) , and the Law on Heinous Crimes (Law No. 8.072/1990) . Among the changes are:

  • Classification of bullying and cyberbullying as crimes
  • Harsher penalties for sexual crimes against children
  • Classification of crimes such as rape of a vulnerable person and child sexual exploitation as heinous crimes

Already in 2025 , the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) approved the increase in the penalty for the enticement of children through the internet (article 241-D of the ECA) , which went from 1 to 3 years to up to 4 years in prison, reinforcing the fight against grooming and predatory approaches online.

Another important point came in November 2024 , when the Senate approved a bill (still under review in the House in August 2025) that seeks to impose greater responsibility on digital platforms . The text provides for stricter rules for content moderation and incident reporting , focusing on protecting children from digital abuse.

These changes reflect pressure from society and regulatory bodies. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, SaferNet registered more than 71,000 reports of online sexual violence against children and adolescents , a record number. Reports to SaferNet of child sexual abuse and exploitation on the internet increased by 114% after Felca's viral video, according to the organization.

The National Cybersecurity Strategy (E-Ciber)

On August 4, 2025 Decree No. 12,573 was published , establishing the new National Cybersecurity Strategy (E-Ciber) .

This national policy prioritizes the protection of vulnerable groups , including children, adolescents, the elderly, and neurodivergent individuals. Among the planned actions are:

  • Integration of cybersecurity into school curricula at all levels.
  • Training for teachers and administrators , both public and private.
  • Promoting the safe use of cyberspace
  • Expansion of support services for victims of cybercrime.
  • Closer cooperation between the public and private sectors to mitigate digital risks

This encourages companies and schools to adopt preventive measures , aligning themselves with the need for digital resilience and legal compliance, including in the fight against online child exploitation.

Real Risks for Businesses and Schools

Imagine the scene: an employee accesses or shares CSAM (child sexual abuse material) using your company's network or devices. Beyond the devastating impact on the organization's image and reputation, it could face severe legal sanctions , such as heavy fines and even criminal liability for managers due to omission or negligence.

In the case of schools, the responsibility is even greater, since the duty to protect children and adolescents also extends to the digital environment.

Digital filtering tools can make all the difference. By adopting a solution like Lumiun DNS , for example, your company or school gains an effective barrier against access to child abuse content. And the best part: this feature is free for up to 20 users on the network, and the Education plan has a special price.

It's important to remember: filters and blocks are powerful, but they don't solve the problem on their own . Complete protection depends on three pillars:

  • Technology (filtering and monitoring tools)
  • Education and supervision (ongoing guidance for children and adolescents)
  • Report it (through official channels such as Dial 100 and SaferNet )

It is the sum of these actions that ensures more effective protection.

Practical Non-Digital Tips: Beyond Technology, the Human Connection

Okay, technology helps a lot, but protecting children in the digital world goes far beyond filters and blocks. Open communication, honest conversation, and close supervision are the foundation for ensuring our young people grow up safe and happy. Check out these tips that complement digital tools:

  • Open and Constant Communication: Create an environment where the child feels comfortable sharing what they see and do online, without fear of being scolded. Encourage them to share experiences, questions, and even fears. Explain the dangers of the internet in a way they can understand, according to their age.
  • Active Supervision and Presence: Be present in your children's or students' digital lives. This isn't about spying, but about accompanying, guiding, and participating. Play games together, watch videos together, explore new websites. Get to know the platforms they use and who their online friends are.
  • Clear Rules and Limits: Set times for internet use, what content is allowed, and where devices can be used. Explain the reasons for these rules and be firm. Using passwords and setting up child profiles on platforms helps a lot.
  • Teach them to think: Show your child that not everything on the internet is true. Teach them to question, to identify fake news, and to recognize when something doesn't seem right. Encourage them to think before clicking, sharing, or talking to strangers.
  • Encourage the Real World: Balance screen time with outdoor play, reading, sports, and spending time with real friends. This is super important for healthy development and helps prevent becoming so dependent on the internet.
  • Report it! Don't be afraid! If you or your child encounter anything strange or abusive, report it immediately. In Brazil, the hotline 100 is the channel to report human rights violations, including the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. Other important resources include SaferNet Brasil ( https://new.safernet.org.br/ ), which receives anonymous reports and helps combat cybercrimes, and the Cybercrime Police Stations .
  • Support Those Who Fight: If you can, help NGOs like Childhood Brazil ( https://childhood.org.br/ ) and Instituto Liberta ( https://institutoliberta.org.br/ ), which Felca mentioned. They work hard to protect children and adolescents from abuse and exploitation.

Cybersecurity with Purpose: Protecting Lives

Felca's video is a wake-up call that we absolutely cannot ignore. The adultification and exploitation of children online are indeed complex problems, but they demand a response from everyone. There is no magic solution, but the combination of technological tools, such as Lumiun DNS, with education, open dialogue, and attentive supervision can transform the digital environment into a much safer place for our children.

For businesses and schools, the responsibility is even greater, and the opportunity to make a difference is enormous! By implementing content filtering solutions and promoting awareness, you not only become an active and essential part of protecting our youth, but you also protect your organizations from legal and reputational risks . Remember: online safety is everyone's responsibility, and Brazilian law is clear about the consequences of accessing or disseminating CSAM (Critical Sense of Online Abuse).

Watch Felca's video, share this article, report anything you see that is wrong, and use the tools available to you – especially those that, like Lumiun DNS, offer free protection against child abuse content. Together, we can build a digital future where childhood is truly protected and where businesses and schools operate safely and in compliance with the law.

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