What is the 'I invite you to pay child support' trend?

A digital trend titled 'Te invito a pagar la cuota alimentaria' (I invite you to pay child support) is spreading across several Latin American countries. Thousands of mothers are using fake birthday invitations on social media to denounce fathers who are delinquent in paying child support. This initiative shines a spotlight on paternal irresponsibility and the perceived slowness of traditional legal proceedings.

The campaign involves creating mock party invitations, often featuring cartoon bears, balloons, and images of the fathers in question. This strategy blends satire with social commentary, aiming to capture attention and pressure those who are behind on payments. The trend has gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, with emblematic cases from Argentina and Honduras accumulating millions of views.

While the trend creatively addresses a pressing social issue, legal experts caution about potential risks. Specialists warn of possible lawsuits for defamation, slander, and violation of privacy rights. The unauthorized public dissemination of names and faces can create legal liabilities for those who post. Furthermore, such public exposure on social media might lead to secondary victimization or negatively impact the identity of the individuals involved.