Digital minors: Between educational obligations and legal safeguards

• Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
• CJC: Centre for Judicial Cooperation

Join Lavinia Vizzoni as she presents her book on the misalignment between social developments and the evolution of the legal framework at the national level vis-à-vis minor protection in the digital environment.

Minors are today digital natives, capable of using technology and digital tools easily and efficiently for their interests and activities. However, their capabilities must not be misinterpreted as expertise and awareness regarding the risks and challenges emerging in the digital context. The research carried out by Lavinia Vizzoni focuses exactly on the misalignment between social developments and the evolution of the legal framework at the national level vis-à-vis minor protection in the digital environment. 

Her book investigates the legal status of minors, which appears to be rather different from the one outlined in the Italian Civil Code of 1942. It analyses the current legal framework, pointing to the overabundance of European legislation: Vizzoni’s overview shows the challenges that the European legislator decided to approach and, consequently, the ones left to the national legislator. In this picture, an important role is then played by parents who are expected to become digital educators of their children, despite consistent difficulties.

Chair:

Federica Casarosa | European University Institute

Author:

Lavinia Vizzoni | University of Pisa

Discussants:

Elda Brogi | European University Institute

Alberto De Franceschi | University of Ferrara

Nicoletta Patti | Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna