The role of the family in children's access to and use of social networks

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to understand the role of families in children's access to and use of social media. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight key participants, experiences and perceptions related to this phenomenon were collected. Each participant provided consent for the use of information, respecting the ethical principle of personal autonomy. The results show that families exert a significant influence on children's use of social media. From imposing clear limits and rules to actively promoting digital literacy, parents play a fundamental role. Furthermore, they encourage open discussions about online interactions, thus contributing to critical and responsible education. Specifically, parents act as role models, taking responsibility for educating their children about the risks related to privacy and security in the digital environment. It is recommended that they be available to discuss any problems children may face online. Another relevant suggestion is to jointly develop a family plan for social media use, which includes time limits, screen-free zones, and clear rules about shared content. These guidelines should be adapted to the children's age and applied transparently, seeking an appropriate balance between supervision and autonomy. This comprehensive approach helps protect children and strengthen family communication in the digital context.