الفجوة الرقمية بين الآباء والأبناء: تأثيراتها وسبل تقليصها

Abstract

The digital divide refers to the generational gap in technological usage and understanding, particularly between parents and their children. As information technology progresses rapidly and children become increasingly dependent on smart devices and the internet in their daily lives, this divide is becoming more pronounced. While children often have advanced technological skills, many parents struggle to keep pace with these developments. This limits their ability to guide and protect their children from the risks of the digital environment. This issue is critical due to the challenges that the digital divide poses within families. It affects parents’ capacity to oversee their children's online activities, thereby exposing children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content and internet addiction. Furthermore, the digital divide affects intergenerational relationships: children may feel misunderstood regarding their digital challenges, while parents may struggle to set rules or provide effective guidance. These dynamics can lead to undesirable behaviors in children, increased digital isolation, and weakened family communication.