The Internet and social networks: a challenge to family coexistence

This article explores how the Internet and social networks can become the source of conflicts in the family sphere. The influence of the Internet on family life is analyzed, examining the concerns and needs when it comes to education in the digital world. A non-experimental quantitative study was carried out using the survey method. 1144 high school students from the city of A Coruna participated, all of them Internet and social media users. 76% of those surveyed state that their parents do not forbid them anything when they surf on the Net. The main actions that parents prevent their sons and daughters from doing include making online purchases, giving personal information and sending emails to strangers. It was also identified that 49% of minors argue with their parents about using the Internet. Likewise, it was found that women, in contrast to men, affirm that their family cares more about the type of content they access, as well as the contacts included on their social networks. It is necessary for parents to become aware of the importance of educating their children in a responsible use of technology. In this sense, acquiring adequate digital education within the family is key to minimizing conflicts, as well as preventing and becoming aware of the risks derived from an inappropriate use of the Internet and social networks.