This study aims to examine how digitalization has transformed the concept of childhood and, in particular, what legal, ethical, and sociocultural debates have been raised by children's presence in digital environments, especially through platforms such as YouTube. Digital media has evolved beyond being merely an entertainment tool for children; it has become a space for learning, socializing, and self-expression. However, this new form of digital childhood carries significant risks in many areas, such as children's rights, personal privacy, psychosocial development, and digital labor. In this context, the study takes a comparative approach to examine the legal regulations implemented in various countries to reduce the risks children face in digital environments and to protect them. In particular, the digital media policies towards children and legal interventions targeting platforms such as YouTube in countries such as the European Union, the United States, Australia, and South Korea have been examined in detail. Furthermore, the effects of YouTube's algorithmic structure, content recommendation systems, and advertising-based economic model on child users have been discussed. The findings reveal that the protection of children in digital environments must be addressed not only at the national level but also on a universal scale. The study emphasizes the urgency of establishing digital regulations that prioritize children's rights and are based on sustainable and ethical foundations. In this context, it concludes that multidimensional strategies are needed at both the legal and societal levels.