Moving Beyond Parental Control toward Community-based Approaches to Adolescent Online Safety
Mamtaj Akter, Jinkyung Katie Park, Pamela J. Wisniewski
TL;DR
The paper addresses the problem that restrictive parental control approaches can erode adolescent autonomy and trust, yielding gaps in online safety. It advocates a shift toward teen-parent collaboration and, further, to community-based oversight, supported by empirical work on the Co-oPS platform and related field studies. Key findings show that collaborative, teen-empowering designs with granular privacy controls can enhance digital safety while preserving autonomy, though challenges such as privacy concerns and power dynamics persist. The work's significance lies in informing the design of teen-centered online safety tools that leverage broader community networks and guide future CHI workshop agendas on adolescent digital well-being.
Abstract
In this position paper, we discuss the paradigm shift that moves away from parental mediation approaches toward collaborative approaches to promote adolescents' online safety. We present empirical studies that highlight the limitations of traditional parental control models and advocate for collaborative, community-driven solutions that prioritize teen empowerment. Specifically, we explore how extending oversight beyond the immediate family to include trusted community members can provide crucial support for teens in managing their online lives. We discuss the potential benefits and challenges of this expanded approach, emphasizing the importance of granular privacy controls and reciprocal support within these networks. Finally, we pose open questions for the research community to consider during the workshop, focusing on the design of "teen-centered" online safety solutions that foster autonomy, awareness, and self-regulation.