Parental Influence and Teens’ Attitude toward Online Privacy Protection

Abstract

This study examines the impact of parental influence on teens’ attitude toward privacy protection. Survey data show that teens high in concept‐oriented family communication tend to engage in discussion mediation, which, in turn, affects their level of privacy concern. In contrast, teens high in socio‐oriented communication tend to have more family rules and surf the Internet with parents. Rulemaking mediation is not directly related to teens’ level of privacy concern, while cosurfing mediation is related to their level of concern. This study also finds that parental mediation and teens’ concern level explain their attitude toward privacy protection measures. Implications for policymakers and educators are discussed.