Parental Monitoring of Children’s Online Activity

Parental monitoring is a set of practices used by caregivers to control children’s online activities and establish rules regarding access to digital media. The article discusses various approaches to monitoring, both passive and active. Based on a review of the literature and original research, it has been shown that the effectiveness of monitoring depends on parents’ digital competencies, their awareness of online risks, and their overall attitude toward new technologies. A study conducted among 81 parents of early school-age children revealed that the most commonly used control methods are setting Internet usage rules and using content filtering tools. Less frequently, parents choose to monitor browsing history or use applications to track their child’s online activity. The research findings highlight the importance of a conscious and flexible approach to digital parenting, where not only the use of monitoring tools is crucial but also open communication with the child about safe and responsible Internet use. The study also emphasizes the need for educating parents on digital literacy, which can contribute to more effective screen time management and better protection of children from online threats

Digital media · Parental monitoring · The Internet · Child Development and Digital Technology · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology of Development and Education