Cyber-parenting: Internet benefits, risks and parenting issues

Abstract

An Internet connection has become almost ubiquitous in homes with school-age children in developed societies. The Internet is both a great social and learning tool and full of potential dangers. Without proper parental support and guidance, the chances of children being exposed to these dangers increase. Yet this can cause tension and distress between parents and children. The problem is aggravated because children tend to be more knowledgeable and skilled in the realm of computers than their parents. The major purposes of the study were to show how various factors interact to affect parents' sense of satisfaction about their attempts to help their children benefit from the Internet as well as reduce the risks to which their children are exposed. The major targets were families with children between the ages of 6 and 17. A household survey with a representative sample of 2,579 families was conducted in late 2009. Findings suggest that better-educated parents, the adoption of an authoritative parenting style, more active involvement in children's online activities, and more discussions of the online experiences are factors which are associated with more satisfactory results in influencing children's behavior.