Investigating Saudi Parents' intention to adopt technical mediation tools to regulate children's internet usage

Abstract

The adverse and harmful effects of Internet on young children have become a global concern. Parents tend to use different strategies to ensure their children's online safety. Many studies have suggested that parental mediation may play a positive role in controlling children's online behavior. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that shape Saudi parents' intention to regulate their children's online practices using technical mediation tools. An integrated model has been proposed based on famous Information System theories and models to investigate parental intention to adopt technical mediation tools. A questionnaire-based survey is conducted for data collection. Basic descriptive statistical analysis, reliability, and validity assessments were used to analyze the data at the preliminary stage, followed by advanced analysis using Structural Equation Modeling to test the research hypotheses. Research results indicate that effort expectancy, performance expectancy, general computer self-efficacy, perceived severity, and perceived vulnerability are the main predictors of Saudi parent's intention to regulate their children's online behaviors using technical mediation tools.