The Saudi family’s Role in Protecting children from Internet Risks

Abstract

This study aims to identify the role of the Saudi family in protecting children from Internet risks. The study is based on a revised and refereed questionnaire consisting of 26 sections. The questionnaire covers four main fields: the social, psychological, religious and educational. The study sample consists of 158 parents randomly chosen from Tabouk area. The study concludes that the parents are aware of the social, educational, health, psychological and religious risks that could result from the misuse of the internet. In addition, it indicates that parents are keen on tracking and controlling the websites visited by their children, and they educate them about the ethics of dealing with the Internet especially in what contradicts the values and customs of the Muslim Saudi Arabian community. Furthermore, Saudi parents strive to maintain the stability of their families by engraving moral and educational values in their children, especially under the impact of technology, such as cultural and ideological openness which might lead to resist traditions. The study also shows that the Saudi parents pay more attention to protecting their children, especially females, from Internet risks since they are more prone to harassment. The study recommends that there is a need to develop religious and moral conscience among youth by holding seminars and lectures to explain the positive and negative impact of using the Internet.