Teacher and School Mediation for Online Risk Prevention and Management: Fostering Sustainable Education in the Digital Age

Esther Chiner (), Marcos Gómez-Puerta, Santiago Mengual-Andrés and Gladys Merma-Molina
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Esther Chiner: Department of Health Psychology, School of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Marcos Gómez-Puerta: Department of General and Specific Didactics, School of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Santiago Mengual-Andrés: Department of Comparative Education and History of Education, School of Education, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Gladys Merma-Molina: Department of General and Specific Didactics, School of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: (1) Background: The increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in educational environments has introduced new challenges related to digital safety and sustainability. Teacher mediation and institutional initiatives are pivotal for preventing and managing Internet-related risks. This study investigates teacher and school mediation strategies for online risk prevention, analysing differences across educational settings and stages in Spain to inform inclusive digital safety practices. (2) Methodology: a quantitative study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey design involving 550 elementary and secondary school teachers from both mainstream and special education schools. (3) Results: Most schools implement intervention plans to mitigate risks associated with students’ Internet use, although the approach to these plans varies according to educational stage and school setting. Teachers employ strategies such as setting classroom rules and supporting students with online challenges, with secondary school teachers and those in mainstream schools tending to adopt more comprehensive or conversation-based prevention strategies. (4) Conclusions: Teachers and schools play a crucial role in ensuring digital safety and sustainability. Future efforts should strengthen digital skills, foster responsible online behaviour, and build inclusive, flexible learning environments according to the differing needs observed across stages and school settings.

Keywords: teacher mediation; online risk management; digital literacy; sustainable education; digital citizenship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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