Croatia: Children face online risks as parental supervision declines

At a forum titled ‘Parenting Challenges – The Influence of Screens and Networks on Child Development,’ Croatian Ombudsman Tatjana Katkić Stanić highlighted significant risks facing children in the digital age. Data indicates that 13.2% of primary school students spend more than seven hours online daily, while over half of parents rarely or never discuss online safety with their children.

Katkić Stanić noted that excessive screen time at an early age can hinder speech development, reduce attention spans, and impair motor skills. She also warned of psychological issues, including sleep disorders and loss of focus, exacerbated by social media platforms that present unrealistic, ‘perfect’ lifestyles.

Furthermore, research from the deShame study on peer and online violence among primary school students revealed alarming trends, including sexual messages being sent to one in four children. The Ombudsman emphasized that modern parenting is increasingly difficult due to digital tools, a fast-paced lifestyle, and the erosion of traditional community support systems.