Educational and pedagogical role of the family in shaping the security culture and sense of security in cyberspace

Abstract

Cyberspace, virtual space, an illusion of the world – it facilitates the exchange and storage of information, simplifies the communication between humans and computers, as well as between citizens. Despite representing an opportunity for the development of an individual, it poses a threat to the security of its users, especially the juvenile ones. The aim of the article is to portray the threats of the cyberworld and the possibilities of addressing them through parents’ appropriate attitudes and actions. Basing on the analysis of relevant literature and statistical data it can be inferred that a rising percentage of juveniles display symptoms of addiction. Furthermore, according to data provided by Statistics Poland, the access of children and youth to digital media has been steadily increasing since 2012. In 2017, as many as 98,9 per cent of households with children had Internet access. The ubiquitous availability of digital media may result in a constant increase in pathological behaviours of children in the cyberworld, which will evolve under the influence of changes in society. Dangerous games such as Blue Whale, Fire Fairy, MOMO Challenge and phenomena such as cyberbullying, cyberpornography, online paedophilia and sexting do not only influence the personality and daily life of young Internet users, but also pose an actual threat to their life and health. It is, therefore, of profound importance to educate parents in order to enable them to guard their children in the Internet and instill appropriate behaviour. The article is divided into two parts. The first part explains and discusses the perils present in the cyberspace. The second part comprises reflection upon the pedagogical and educational role of the family and the possibilities of protecting the juveniles in the Internet by means of developing a security culture in the digital environment. The author postulates that the lack of conscious action of guardians prevents them from addressing the threats of the cyberworld in an effective manner, resulting in the emergence of antisocial individuals, who are unable to live and function in their surroundings.

Keywords

• security
• cyberspace
• threat
• risky behaviours
• dangerous games
• cyberbullying