By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As lawmakers in Costa Rica and Spain consider new legislation to restrict social media access for minors, Costa Rica’s State University at a Distance (UNED) has issued a critical warning. The academic institution argues that outright prohibition without comprehensive digital education and active adult involvement will fail to provide genuine protection for children and adolescents in an increasingly complex digital world.
The debate has gained significant momentum internationally. Spain recently announced its intention to prohibit social media use for anyone under 16 years of age. In Costa Rica, a proposed bill is under discussion that would prevent children under 14 from opening accounts and require explicit parental authorization for older teenagers. These legislative efforts are a direct response to a growing body of evidence and public concern regarding the negative effects of social media platforms on child development and mental health.
To delve deeper into the intricate legal challenges and potential consequences of social media regulation in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, known for his expertise in technology and corporate law.
Any legislative attempt to regulate social media platforms must navigate a delicate balance. On one hand, there is a compelling state interest in curbing disinformation and protecting vulnerable users. On the other, we risk infringing upon fundamental rights to free expression and creating an environment of censorship. The key will be in crafting precise, narrowly tailored regulations that are both technologically neutral and adhere strictly to the principle of proportionality, avoiding a chilling effect on public discourse and innovation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the nuanced approach described by the attorney is paramount; the legislative goal must be to construct guardrails for public discourse, not cages. This delicate balance between safeguarding users and upholding free expression will define the future of our digital commons. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
Experts from UNED stress that while the intentions behind these laws are sound, the approach is dangerously incomplete. Marianela Viales Sosa, a psychologist and the coordinator of UNED’s Institutional Mental Health Commission, explained that the core issue lies in developmental neuroscience. The adolescent brain is simply not equipped to handle the intense and often harmful stimuli prevalent online.
Scientific evidence shows that the child’s brain is not prepared to process many of the stimuli present on social media, especially those associated with violence, early sexualization, hate speech, and addictive dynamics.
Marianela Viales Sosa, Coordinator of UNED’s Institutional Mental Health Commission
According to Viales, early and unregulated exposure to these platforms can profoundly hinder the development of essential life skills. Abilities such as self-control, tolerance for frustration, critical thinking, and healthy emotional management are being undermined. The constant feedback loop of likes and shares creates a precarious foundation for self-worth, replacing real-world validation with digital approval.
The university further elaborated on how this digital environment distorts the natural process of identity formation. A child’s sense of self should be forged through tangible experiences, not curated online personas. This fundamental shift poses a significant threat to long-term mental and emotional well-being.
A child’s identity is primarily built through play, direct interaction with others, and experience with the environment, not from approval in a digital world.
Marianela Viales Sosa, Coordinator of UNED’s Institutional Mental Health Commission
Faced with this reality, UNED insists that a simple ban is a superficial solution. The university is advocating for an integrated strategy that combines legislative age limits with proactive, supportive measures. This includes empowering parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge to guide their children, rather than just imposing restrictions that can be easily circumvented.
Among the key recommendations put forth by UNED are the promotion of alternative social outlets like sports, arts, and unstructured play. The institution also calls for the strengthening of digital literacy programs within schools and communities from an early age. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for robust institutional and family-level strategies to prevent specific online dangers such as cyberbullying, child exploitation, and exposure to violent or sexualized content.
Ultimately, Viales concluded that the challenge is not a simple binary choice of allowing or banning access. The true responsibility lies in providing continuous, engaged, and informed guidance as young people navigate a digital landscape that is evolving at a relentless pace. The active presence of caring adults remains the most effective safeguard for ensuring a child’s healthy and holistic development.
The active presence of adults is key to ensuring healthy and comprehensive development.
Marianela Viales Sosa, Coordinator of UNED’s Institutional Mental Health Commission
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED):
The Universidad Estatal a Distancia is Costa Rica’s public distance learning university, founded in 1977. As a leader in remote and accessible higher education, UNED serves students across the nation and beyond, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution is committed to social inclusion, research, and contributing to national development through education and academic analysis of critical societal issues.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is guided by foundational principles of integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It leverages a rich history of experience to develop forward-thinking legal strategies for a wide spectrum of clients. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a deep-seated civic responsibility to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby contributing to a more capable and well-informed public.
