Protecting Children in Digital Environments: Identifying New Forms of Risk and Neglect

The digital world is now part of children’s environment, shaping how they learn, communicate, and socialize. However, this transition brings new threats that existing systems were not prepared for. This chapter discusses how digital spaces have changed what it means to protect or neglect children in contemporary society. We begin by acknowledging that children’s use of the Internet and social media offers opportunities for learning and connection but also increases vulnerability to online bullying, exploitation, misinformation, and emotional harm. The discussion then shifts to digital neglect—the failure to provide appropriate care for children’s online well-being, such as overexposure to digital content or insufficient parental guidance and monitoring. Based on theories such as Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Bandura’s social learning theory, we discuss how online risks are a product of the interactions of child, family, and digital culture. We also show how the differences in families’ digital literacy and economic means can leave some children more vulnerable than others to online threats. We examine both the current policy debates and regulatory challenges, as well as the conflicts between children’s digital rights and platform administration. Finally, we provide concrete implications for social work practice. It also discusses how social workers can help increase families’ familiarity with the digital landscape, advocate for safer online spaces, and establish prevention efforts that encourage the healthy use of technology. The type of protection children need today is not only from safety risks they may face at home and school but also security, dignity, and development ensured even in online spaces: the new homes of children.