Information security of children and adolescents around the world: characteristics of the main areas of research

Context and relevance. Information security for children and adolescents is currently a key subject of interdisciplinary research and practice. Data from Russian and international studies indicate a high prevalence of threats to the information security of minors, the main ones being cyberbullying, personal data theft, online pedophilia, involvement in destructive subcultures and movements, manipulation of minors for criminal purposes, and addictions. Objective. To systematize and describe the prospects and limitations of the main approaches to information security for children and adolescents in modern science and applied research, as well as to develop a comprehensive approach to the issue of information security for minors that would integrate the most constructive solutions from existing approaches. Hypothesis. There is a number of relatively isolated approaches and study directions in the field of information security, each with its own merits and potential, but also significant limitations. Methods and Materials. A literature search using keywords in the scientometric databases eLibrary and Lens to conduct the analysis. Results. Three main areas of research and applied development in the field of information security for minors were identified: technological; socio-psychological; and socio-political, or normative. The main principles and substantive achievements within each area are examined. It is shown that all three areas have significant merits, and each has achieved significant scientific and applied results. However, there are also limitations, partly related to the significant isolation of each area from the others. Conclusions. To overcome existing difficulties, obtain interdisciplinary scientific data, and timely update applied research, it is recommended to promote an integrated approach that includes technological, socio-psychological, and socio-political solutions and involves a wide range of decision-makers and stakeholders at various stages of scientific and practical work.

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