Parenting expert Dr. Sheryl Ziegler said parents must balance child safety with the development of independence in both physical and online environments [1].
This balance is critical because children require a degree of autonomy to develop essential life skills, yet the complexity of modern digital risks creates new vulnerabilities. Finding a middle ground allows children to grow without facing undue danger.
Dr. Ziegler said these challenges during a broadcast with 9 News Australia [1]. She said that the goal of parenting is to help children develop autonomy while simultaneously protecting them from various physical and digital risks [1]. This guidance is particularly relevant for the current landscape of 2026 [1].
According to Ziegler, the struggle often manifests in how parents manage their children's interactions with the world. While safety is a primary concern, over-protection can hinder a child's ability to navigate real-world challenges. The expert said that parents should evaluate the specific risks of an activity before deciding how much supervision is required.
Digital spaces present a unique set of challenges compared to traditional in-person interactions. The ability for children to access the internet provides educational opportunities, but also exposes them to risks that are not always visible to parents. Ziegler said that guiding children through these online experiences is a necessary part of modern parenting.
By fostering independence in a controlled manner, parents can prepare children for adulthood. This involves a gradual transition from high supervision to more independent decision-making as the child demonstrates maturity and understanding of safety protocols [2].
Effective parenting in this context requires constant communication and the ability to adjust boundaries based on the child's growth. This approach ensures that children are not merely sheltered, but are instead equipped with the tools to keep themselves safe [3].
“Parents must balance child safety with the development of independence”
The emphasis on balancing autonomy and protection reflects a broader shift in developmental psychology, acknowledging that digital literacy and physical independence are now intertwined. As online risks evolve, the traditional 'helicopter parenting' model is being challenged by a need for 'scaffolded independence,' where parents provide a safety net rather than a barrier.
