Family Communication: Examining the Differing Perceptions of Parents and Teens Regarding Online Safety Communication

The opportunity for online engagement increases possible exposure to potentially risky behaviors teens, which may have significant negative consequences. Effective family communication about safety can help reduce the adolescent behavior and limit consequences after it occurs. Our paper contributes a theory of factors that positively influence teen parent perception provides design implications based on those findings. While previous work identified gaps in regarding safety, our study quantitatively significantly contribute parents' teens' differing perceptions. We analyzed data from survey 215 teen-parent pairs through cross-sectional examined increased safety. For parents, active mediation, technical monitoring, perceived positive affect were associated with higher levels communication. results similar except teen's concern parental monitoring also communication, while restrictive mediation was lower Many existing designs support approach, despite teens not wanting restrictions. A key implication findings is view respect Contrary mainstream narratives, this finding suggests value involvement do desire complete independence online. By examining specific mechanisms hinder or improve between parents we recommend solutions give an role their facilitate effective cooperation both parties, rather than technologies promote restriction.