2010

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Research "Modern Technology Usage and Internet Safety"

This research was conducted from May to June 2010 and provides information on knowledge of internet safety issues and habits of modern technology usage of children, adolescents, their parents and teachers. Research was conducted using quantitative research method – indirect computerized interview – and provides results of 2017 respondents. Information on the research conducted was disseminated in schools inviting teachers to inform their students about the survey happening and use the computer lessons for filling out the questionnaire. Teachers also participated in the study and completed the questionnaire for teachers. Full research result interpretation (in Latvian) is accessible here >>>

Key results of the research show:

  • By the age of 13 more than 90% of children use internet and they own personal mobile phone;
  • 35% of children aged 6 – 13 and 54% aged 14 – 18 claim, that their parents do not limit their mobile phone usage by any means;
  • 42 – 47% children and adolescents consider that internet usage can’t cause any threats to them;
  • More than 40% of children and adolescents acknowledge that they have come across on unpleasant pornographic materials, which have been accessible without any warnings. 39% say that they have come across violent materials. 22 – 31% claim they they have been bullied online. 10% aged 6 – 13 and 19%  aged 14 – 18 claim that they have received sexual proposals from adults;
  • 19% say that they have received unpleasant calls and SMS via mobile phones; 9% say that they have received threatening SMS or materials via mobile phones and 5% claim that they have received unpleasant sexual materials or SMS in their mobile phones;
  • The general trend is that children and adolescents have good understanding of what is and is not appropriate online 10 – 13% children and adolescents claim that they have been bullying someone whether using mobile phone or internet.

 

Survey on Internet Safety

The State Inspectorate for Protection of Children’s Rights launched a survey on internet safety to increase the awareness of helpline and to find out children attitude and perception of internet safety related questions. Survey was conducted in April and May 2010, it contained 7 questions – 6 closed and 1 open.
In total 597 children 303 girls and 294 boys responded from different educational institutions covering all regions of Latvia.
Full survey result interpretation (in Latvian) is accessible here >>>

The main conclusions of the survey:
  • The understanding of the harmful effects of internet usage depends on child’s own experience on internet usage. Some children mention threats to personal safety, internet addiction, other technical problems and financial fraud possibility.Boys see technical threats (viruses, phishing, etc.) as most threats, while girls consider threats to personal safety and protection of one’s privacy more important.

  • 49% acknowledge that they have received remarks and admonishments from parents, teachers or friends about the fact, that they spend too much time online.

  • 32% said, that they have encountered bullying online, 23% have experienced, that their private profiles are being „hacked” and 19% pointed out, that they have received threats or insulting materials online.

  • When answering a question on where would they turn for help in a case of having problems online, or encountering braches online 42% said, they would turn for help and report the situation to their parents, teachers or friends. 18% would report the situation to www.drossinternets.lv and 13% would call the children helpline 116111. But 25% declared that they would do nothing.

  • 74% said that a convenient way of communicating with children helpline would be chatting using some kind of online tool, like Skype. This clearly shows, that modern Technologies are very important part of children everyday life, including turning for help.

  • Internet is a very important part of children’s everyday life. It is a place for meeting friends, spend their free time there and search information for leisure and school. For parents it can be very difficult to follow their children online activities – children like to take risks and check their abilities – in some cases the technical restrictions and limitations might not be the most effective way of protecting children online.