ABSTRACT
Bangladesh, characterized by rapid digital expansion and high adolescent internet penetration, is increasingly confronted with challenges related to online risk exposure, digital violence, and problematic internet use (PIU). Despite these developments, limited scholarly attention has been given to the intersection of digital media literacy and parental mediation in shaping safe online environments for adolescents. This study addresses this gap by examining the current state of parental mediation practices in Bangladesh and assessing levels of Parental Mediation Strategy Literacy and Application (PMSLA) among parents, with particular attention to (Internet Service Providers) ISP-based parental control mechanisms. Drawing on a mixed-method approach, the study combines primary survey data from 640 families across 64 districts with a comparative analysis of policy frameworks and practices in neighboring countries. The findings reveal significant disparities between urban and non-urban populations in Bangladesh, particularly in awareness and application of technical parental control tools. While urban parents demonstrate relatively higher engagement, a substantial proportion of parents outside major cities remain unfamiliar with available mediation mechanisms. Based on these outcomes, the study proposes a forward-looking framework emphasizing active mediation, public awareness campaigns, and policy-driven digital literacy initiatives. The study contributes to ongoing debates on digital governance by outlining practical and context-sensitive strategies to enhance online child safety in developing countries.
KEY WORDS
Adolescents. Bangladesh. Digital Media Literacy. Digital Safety. Parental Mediation.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.34135/mlar-26-01-09
Parental Mediation And Digital Media Literacy in Bangladesh: Towards a Safer Digital Environment for Adolescents
© 2026 by Muhammd Mustafiz, Moshiur Rahman, UCM Trnava is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International license.