Abstract
<jats:p>Although there is a wealth of evidence regarding the risks in the online environment, there is still a need to deepen our understanding of how to prevent them. Whether children are exposed to online risks largely depends on various factors. Determinants of children's risky behavior on social media include factors representing parental attachment and parental mediation of the online environment. Secure child-parent attachments contribute to preventing risky behavior on social media through the establishment of a foundation of trust, open communication, and the creation and respect of safe boundaries. Parental mediation focuses on monitoring internet safety, setting rules for online behavior, and utilizing various technical restrictions. In the present study, a standard descriptive multiple linear regression model was introduced to examine the relationship between children's risky behavior on social media and factors representing parental attachment, alongside factors of parental mediation in the online environment. The statistical significance of Model 2, explaining 28% of the variability, was demonstrated, highlighting the multifaceted nature of parental influence on children's online behavior. The research findings may be of interest to social workers, other professionals in helping professions working with families, as well as the families themselves, with the aim of promoting a safer online environment for adolescents. These findings highlight the critical need for fostering secure attachments and engaging in active parental mediation to mitigate online risks.</jats:p>