PREVENTION OF RISKY BEHAVIOR AMONG MINORS IN THE INTERNET SPACE

Abstract

The article focuses on risk factors that cause risky online behavior among minors and identifies ways to overcome it: adult control of the time spent by the child on the Internet, restriction of access to content, applications and games that are not appropriate for the child’s age, installation of parental control programs or ad blocking programs on the child’s device, etc. There were described the ways to increase the effectiveness of protective factors: promoting the constructive use of the Internet by minors; teaching digital competences; developing the ability to be critical of online content; improving the psychosocial skills of minors; teaching them constructive ways to cope with stress; participating in activities that develop interests or strengthen positive relationships with people in their immediate environment (parents, peers, important adults, etc.).

It was found that the prevention of risky online behavior of minors on the Internet by educational institutions should be organized systematically within the framework of a clearly developed comprehensive program. The basis for planning should be diagnostics of the development of risky behavior among minors, and the implementation of preventive measures should be implemented according to the strategy: developing the psychosocial competencies of minors; reducing positive expectations associated with using the Internet and playing digital games; providing minors with reliable and adequate information about online threats and the consequences of risky behavior, providing instructions on safe Internet use and protection against cyber threats; teaching children about the principles of using the Internet and ways to reduce the risk of problematic Internet use and exposure to threats; providing minors with information about where to go for help and how to contact people who provide it.

It is summarized that preventive measures should ensure the safety of minors, not to harm, offend, or violate the dignity of a minor or his or her value system.