The impact of parenting styles on child safety and well-being

Abstract

Background: Parenting styles play a critical role in shaping children's behavior, emotional development, and safety. Statistics show that a majority of child abuse cases involve perpetrators known to the child, with parental neglect being a significant contributing factor. This study identifies how different parenting styles authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful affect child safety and well-being, with a particular focus on parental monitoring, digital safety, and risk prevention. Method: A quantitative survey method was employed, involving 100 parents of children aged 10 to 15 years from urban and suburban areas. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling to ensure diversity across socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed parenting styles, child protection strategies, parental monitoring practices, and indicators of child well-being, including emotional security, behavioral tendencies, and exposure to risks. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis to explore associations and predictive relationships between parenting styles and child safety outcomes. Results: Results revealed that authoritative parenting (characterized by high warmth and high control) had a statistically significant positive correlation with higher child safety outcomes (p < 0.01), including improved supervision, increased digital safety awareness, and reduced engagement in risky behaviors. In contrast, authoritarian parenting (high control, low warmth) showed mixed effects, with strict safety measures coexisting with elevated levels of child anxiety and secrecy. Permissive parenting (high warmth, low control) was significantly associated with increased exposure to online threats and peer-related risks, while neglectful parenting (low warmth and low control) exhibited the strongest negative correlation with child safety (p < 0.01), linked to higher rates of abuse, cyberbullying, and emotional harm. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the study recommends promoting authoritative parenting strategies that integrate warmth and control. Parenting programs and community workshops should incorporate digital literacy and safety education. Schools and child welfare organizations must prioritize support for children from neglectful or permissive homes. Finally, policymakers should develop targeted, family-centered interventions to foster safe and nurturing environments for children.