Abstract

                                The study titled “Parental Perception on Children’s Online Behavior”examines how parents navigate the complexities of managing theirchildren’s online activities in the face of increasing digital engagement.With widespread internet access through smartphones, social media, andgaming platforms, children are exposed to numerous online risks, includingcyberbullying, online predators, and privacy breaches, which have heightenedparental concerns. Based on a survey of 129 parents with children agedless than 18 years, the research highlights key parental concerns, such asonline gaming addiction, excessive screen time, and privacy risks. It alsoreveals the negative impacts of prolonged internet use on children’s physicalhealth, academic performance, and social interactions, including decreasedphysical activity, impaired sleep, and strained family relationships. Parentswho regularly monitor their children’s online activities—by checking devices,discussing internet usage, and using parental control tools—are more awareof the risks. However, the study finds that parents with higher digital literacysometimes underestimate online dangers, leading to less vigilant oversight.Cultural and socio-economic factors also influence how parents approachonline safety. While some parents, particularly those with lower digital literacy,rely on restrictive measures like screen time limits or monitoring software,others adopt more communicative strategies, fostering open discussionsabout online risks. Overly restrictive approaches can backfire, as childrenmay bypass controls and expose themselves to more risks. The studyconcluded that a balanced approach, combining active monitoring, opencommunication, and improved digital literacy, is essential for effective digitalparenting. It calls for increased education and awareness to help parentsbetter understand the digital landscape and navigate the challenges ofmodern parenting. These insights are valuable for policymakers, educators,and parents in developing strategies to protect children in an increasinglydigital world.

Key words : Online Behavior, Perception, Parental Monitoring, Social Media