The landscape of technology and digital media is rapidly evolving, becoming an inextricable part of modern life. As such, it's not only crucial for adults to grasp the nuances of this digital age but also essential for children. Boosting children’s digital literacy has become a pressing issue in contemporary society and one effective method to address this issue is through the strategic use of parental controls.

Parental controls are technological tools that parents can utilize to monitor and restrict their child's online activities. These controls ensure a safe and secure internet environment for children while simultaneously providing opportunities for learning about responsible online behavior. However, these utilities should not merely serve as restrictive measures; instead, they should be wielded effectively as instruments of teaching.

Children today live in a time where technology encompasses much of their daily lives. They interact with numerous gadgets like smartphones, tablets, laptops - most often connected to the internet. Consequently, it is almost inevitable that they will encounter both beneficial and harmful content online.

In such scenarios, parental controls act as gatekeepers – filtering out inappropriate content while permitting access to educational resources. This selective exposure aids in instilling critical thinking skills within children regarding what they consume online. Furthermore, it helps develop an understanding of secure online practices – forming the foundation for enhanced digital literacy.

However, using parental controls judiciously demands active participation from parents too. Rather than entirely outsourcing their child's safety to technology or imposing complete control over their child’s interaction with digital media; parents need to adopt a more balanced approach.

Engaging with children about their online experiences can provide valuable insights into potential threats or concerns that might arise due to increased screen time. Discussing why certain websites or apps are blocked under parental control settings can help them understand the rationale behind these decisions - encouraging better decision-making when navigating the digital world independently down the line.

Moreover, by involving children in setting up these controls or periodically reviewing them together creates an atmosphere of trust and respect. It sparks open conversations about online safety, privacy, and digital citizenship. This approach not only strengthens a child’s resilience against potential threats but also boosts their comprehension of ethical internet usage.

To summarize, parental controls are not just barriers to harmful content, but rather they can be effective tools for enhancing children's digital literacy. They provide a safer environment for children to explore the vast world of technology while helping them learn about responsible internet usage. However, these tools should be used strategically by parents - emphasizing dialogue and understanding over strict control to maximize their effectiveness.

In conclusion, boosting digital literacy among children is undoubtedly an escalating challenge in today’s technologically driven society – one that demands active parental involvement alongside strategic use of available technological solutions such as parental controls. We must remember that the ultimate goal is not merely to safeguard our children from potential hazards but also empower them with necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape effectively and responsibly.