Digital threats are a step ahead of us, and children and parents often can’t keep up. The situation is serious but not hopeless: the key is cooperation among family, schools, and institutions, not just technical patches. We need more conversations, clear rules, and critical thinking instead of moralizing.
Who is ahead of whom and why it matters
Experts warn that attackers and digital threats are two steps ahead, while ordinary users, including parents and children, are falling behind. But it’s not just about technology: without the involvement of families, schools, media, NGOs, and the state, the problem cannot be managed. Parents should be “influencers” at home—by personal example and a “home digital agreement” setting clear rules that are consistently followed. Research shows that children spend 4–5 hours a day online, mostly at home, so it is the family environment that determines whether they learn healthy habits.
When school and family come together
Schools and parents often tackle the same problems separately, even though for the child it’s one world. Good practice shows that a ban alone is not enough: one vocational secondary school adopted phone-free instruction, but at the same time supported social bonds—creating relaxation zones and strengthening communication. Children need boundaries as well as dialogue; personal example works better than moralizing and “big bans.” Peer education helps, as do accessible school psychologists (who are in short supply) and simple motivational models, for example “movement for game time,” where screen time is balanced with active time with a parent.
AI in school: a helper, not a substitute friend
The Ministry of Education is introducing guidelines on artificial intelligence for students, teachers, parents, and principals, drawing on proven practices including adaptations of materials from the Czech Republic. The curriculum is strengthening digital hygiene, wellbeing, and critical thinking so that children understand what AI is—a machine, not a friend—and know how to use it safely and meaningfully. AI can be a great helper for individualized learning, but it requires clear rules and human oversight; by contrast, AI cameras in schools pose more risks than benefits, according to experts. On the horizon are deepfakes, virtual reality, and a “Matrix layer” between the child and reality—one more reason to build resilience through relationships, rules, and education, not fear.