Factors affecting the vulnerability of children's rights in Ecuador

The principle of the best interests of the child is a fundamental pillar of the Ecuadorian legal system, which obliges all social actors to prioritize the well-being and integral development of children and adolescents. Currently, minors are increasingly immersed in the use of information and communication technologies through digital platforms, which offer both opportunities and risks. The objective of this research is to identify the factors influencing the guarantees for protecting children and adolescents in the digital environment. The research employed a mixed approach. Techniques such as surveys, interviews, Pareto diagrams, and a hierarchical analysis process (AHP) were applied. Factors requiring more attention or resources to improve child digital protection were identified, revealing violations of children's and adolescents' rights. Actions are proposed considering the hierarchical order of the identified factors.