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Online Safety Challenges: Saudi Children and Parents’ Perspectives on Risks and Harms

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  • Adil Al Ghamdi

    (Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Al-Baha University, Alaqiq 65779-7738, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Research in western countries concludes that children and adolescents are exposed to multiple forms of online risks and harms. However, in the context of Saudi Arabia, research in online safety education is lagging. Currently, online safety education is generic and not research informed. Hence, this exploratory study seeks to generate a qualitative understanding of online risks and harms experienced by Saudi children, adolescents, and parents as well as online safety strategies. Using a semi-structured interview, this study explores the views of 15 children (12–15 years) and 10 parents. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) yielded four key themes: Negotiating the Promise and Peril of the internet, Living with the Shadows of the Online World, Psychological, and Physical Health Consequences, and Navigating Safety in a Digital Landscape of Uncertainty. While the benefits are clear (e.g., education and socialisation), children and parents have shared worries about cyberbullying, aggression, and exploitation. Internet addiction and isolation are notable consequences along with vision impairment and obesity. Children’s online safety practices are reactive, e.g., blocking and deleting risky content/behaviour, while parents share their struggles in monitoring children online. Online safety education, or the lack of it, is to blame. Children’s and parents’ limited awareness of online risks and poor online safety practices need to improve in Saudi Schools and households; there is an urgent need for further research and adequate implementation of systematic online safety education.

Suggested Citation

  • Adil Al Ghamdi, 2025. "Online Safety Challenges: Saudi Children and Parents’ Perspectives on Risks and Harms," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:9:p:551-:d:1750044
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giulia Spina & Elena Bozzola & Pietro Ferrara & Nicola Zamperini & Francesco Marino & Cinthia Caruso & Livia Antilici & Alberto Villani, 2021. "Children and Adolescent’s Perception of Media Device Use Consequences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-8, March.
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