Specifics of harmful content for children in the Internet (socio-psychological analysis)

The Internet has proved to become a customary tool of communication and information search. On the one hand, it widens the scope of possibilities for self-development and self-expression; on the other hand, it generates new risks and problems. The survey conducted (n = 230 respondents) has found that parents see the following categories of the Internet content as inappropriate: abundance of sex-related information; demonstration of cruelty and violence; inability to control their children’s Internet surfing; advertising and low quality of information delivery. According to parents’ perceptions the Internet information is burdened with content risks, and children of all age groups face them. Parents’ constant monitoring has proven to be the most effective protection of children.