We are pleased to present a new special issue of the journal "Psychology and Law" (No. 3-2025), which explores the social risks of modern childhood.
Scientific research helps the professional community and society as a whole to understand new phenomena, trends, and problems. This also applies to research in the field of modern childhood. The rapidly changing environment in which our children live and develop contains both new opportunities and new risks. In particular, the processes of digitalization in social life possess this dual nature. Often, children from an early age perceive gadgets and the internet as a natural and integral part of their environment, and as they grow older – even as a part of themselves. While having access to vast information and communication resources, the interaction with which is not always easy to regulate, they may not consider the consequences of their actions online, which can sometimes be very reckless. How can we prevent them from "falling off a cliff" they cannot see?
To solve this problem, adults must recognize their key role in the "adult – child – internet" triangle. Dangers arise when children have unrestricted access to gadgets, the internet, artificial intelligence, and are left to their own devices in interacting with them. It is the nearby adult who serves as the bearer of norms and culture for the child, determining how the child will build their relationships both in real and virtual life. Adults must be aware of the existing dangers of the digital environment and take measures to prevent them together with children.
At the same time, despite the growing role of the internet and artificial intelligence in the lives of young people, it is important to note that other types of risks outside the digital space persist. Issues related to behavioral deviations such as addictive and aggressive behavior in adolescents, as well as methods for their prevention and correction, remain relevant. The research conducted by the authors of the publications in our special issue is dedicated to various aspects of this broad topic.
We invite you to the journal's Telegram channel: https://t.me/psyandlaw