CHILDREN’S SAFETY IN THE DIGITAL SPACE AT HOME

Abstract

The article addresses the critical issue of keeping children safe in the digital environment at home. The study highlights the increasing prevalence of digital risks such as exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and privacy violations, underscoring the urgent need for parental involvement in fostering safe digital behavior. The aim of the study is to develop a comprehensive framework to educate parents on effective strategies to reduce these risks and develop digital literacy in children. Methodologically, the study utilizes a combination of analysis, observation, and parental interviewing, as well as comparative analysis to evaluate existing pedagogical approaches to digital safety education. The key findings of the study indicate different behaviors and vulnerabilities of children in the digital space, as well as gaps in parental knowledge and engagement. Based on these findings, the study presents an innovative parent training model that integrates scenario-based learning, dialogic pedagogy, and gamification to increase parental competence in digital risk management. Practical applications of this model include workshops, training programs, and interactive resources for parents, educators, and social workers. The findings make a significant contribution to both theoretical and practical fields, expanding understanding of digital safety issues and offering practical solutions for families. The study concludes with recommendations for further research, including the psychological impact of digital risks and the development of specialized educational programs for different family contexts. These findings and recommendations have broad implications for improving digital safety practices and creating safer online environments for children.