Engl. transl.: Parents: Mediation, Self-regulation and Co-regulation

This chapter aimed at tackling that apparent paradox by proposing a two-step research approach. First, drawing on data from EU Kids Online, we investigate practices of parental mediation in order to assess their efficacy. In light of these findings, we then present and discuss new ways of connecting policy- making and parental mediation. We argue that the composite and precarious balance implied by processes of parental mediation require alternative frames of policymaking within which parents as the principal stakeholders together with children can play a crucial role. Finally, we examine the expediency of the active involvement of parents in online safety policy, not only as targets of safer internet messages but also as co-developers of goals and strategies.

Drawing on the findings of EU Kids Online, this chapter has explored the socio-cultural conditions and the variable degree of effectiveness of parental mediation. The low efficacy of parental strategies in reducing the supposed harmful consequences of certain online activities, to- gether with the acknowledgment of a wide diversity in family values, attitudes and skills, suggest new ways of connecting internet safety policymaking with parental mediation. It is also vital that more is known about the impact of the generation gap in digital literacy between children and their parents in terms of how this affects parental mediation strategies and their varied efficacy. The benefits of empowering parents and involving them more directly have been emphasised. Although parental awareness and involvement varies sub- stantially across Europe (Eurobarometer 2008), the turn towards self-regulation and co-regulation both implies and relies upon parents as active, empowered and informed users. As such, parents are entitled to play their role in the shap- ing of policy. So, for example, parents might suggest that young children use the internet only in collaboration with them; at the same time, policy could focus on explaining and helping children understand why this is beneficial for them. Parents involved in policy making could also directly express their fears and concerns to policy makers and help them understand where weaknesses lie when it comes to protecting their children, so as to ensure such issues are covered in future campaigns.