Copii vulnerabili în mediul digital: cazul Republicii Moldova

The speed of information technologies' development and increased accessibility for children is unprecedented in the history of digital innovations. New technologies offer users space for creativity and opportunities for learning, participation, and communication. Children's Internet use increases their skills and risks in the digital environment. Children who experience vulnerabilities offline are also at greater risk when interacting in the digital environment. In this article, the author aimed to identify the specific risks faced by vulnerable children from the Republic of Moldova in the digital environment. The article is based on comparative analysis of diffrent studies done in the Republic of Moldova, the latest one is a research on a national sample of 1412 children from 35 educational institutions within the Data for Impact project, funded by the USAID. The data shows clear evidence that vulnerable children have a higher level of risk in the online environment because it represents, for these children, a space of refuge where they seek communication and understanding. Among the factors that increase the risk level of children in the online environment there were highlighted (i) lack of communication between parents and children or ineffective communication; (ii) tense atmosphere in the family between parents or parents and children; (iii) lack of a reliable person/support for the child; (iv) lack of affection and encouragement of children in the family. All studies research results indicate the need to unify the efforts of different social actors to increase the level of information about the risks to which children are exposed in the digital environment and ensure their protection.