Examining the duality of law and ethics in children's access to cyberspace

Document Type : Original/ Research Article

Authors
Javad Alipoor 1
Hatef Pourrashidi 2
1 Department of Political Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Communication, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
10.30497/flj.2024.246726.2054
Abstract
The expansion of cyberspace has created serious and fundamental legal and ethical challenges regarding children's access to this phenomenon. Concerns about access to inappropriate content, children's communication with strangers, and risks of sexual and financial abuse, as well as the violation of moral values, have led parents to impose strict restrictions on children's access to cyberspace. However, these restrictions may actually violate children's rights as outlined in international law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and domestic legislation. This article aims to explore how the balance between rights and ethics in children's access to cyberspace can be achieved through an analytical-descriptive approach and the use of documentary data collection. The findings suggest that resolving this legal and ethical dilemma can be achieved through education, particularly in media literacy. By incorporating media literacy education into public school curricula from an early age, parents' concerns can be addressed while also upholding children's rights to access cyberspace. This approach can also serve as a foundation for children's intellectual growth and development.
Keywords
Children'
s rights
cyberspace
media literacy

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Biannual Journal of Family Law And Jurisprudence
Volume 30, Issue 82
April 2025
Pages 65-86