Parental Attitudes towards the Role of Digital Mediation In Protecting Children from Cyber Risks and the Challenges of Its Implementation

The study aimed to analyze parents' use of different digital parental mediation strategies and their motivations, as well as to observe their attitudes toward the importance of these strategies in protecting children from online risks. It also aimed to identify the obstacles and challenges parents face in implementing digital parental mediation. Semi-structured focus group discussions (10 groups) were conducted with different groups of parents (60 participants), taking into account their diverse demographic characteristics, to yield qualitative results on their experiences and common challenges. The study's findings indicate that most parents are aware of the risks associated with their children's internet use, with their concerns primarily focused on psychological, social, and physiological effects. However, fewer parents are concerned about cyber risks. The study's sample of parents identified the technical and social obstacles they face and provided suggestions for the support needed to overcome these challenges. The study concluded with recommendations for various entities to help parents increase their digital awareness and effectively implement digital parental mediation to ensure their children can navigate the digital environment safely and effectively.