Exploring parents’ and children's awareness on internet threats in relation to internet safety

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore parents’ level of awareness in relation to the threats that children are exposed to when using the internet. Additionally, it explores the parental interest to raise their awareness on internet use and threats, as well as investigating their interest in establishing household environment safety measures in their household and a secure internet system in order to protect their children. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a mixed method approach where quantitative and qualitative data were collected (Creswell). Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data and focus groups were organized for the qualitative data collection. The study's target population consisted of parents in two major cities in Cyprus, Nicosia and Larnaca. Non probability sampling was used to distribute 400 questionnaires to parents. The response rate was 55 percent, since 220 completed questionnaires were returned. The focus groups were organized as soon as the results of the questionnaires were analyzed. Eight focus groups (four focus groups with parents and four focus groups with children) were organized. Findings The results of the study are grouped in the following categories: internet uses, internet dangers and children, parents’ awareness on internet dangers, parents’ concerns, parents’ experience with internet dangers and productive measures. Originality/value The study provides practical and scientific implications related to raise parents’ and students’ awareness on internet safety, explaining the role of the various stakeholders involved.