A Study Reveals Most Common Children’s Online Activities and Occurring Threats
Ofcom’s study on children’s media consumption revealed that parents are increasingly concerned about the internet. Due to their accessibility, younger children spend more time on digital devices than ever.
Why are kids spending more time on digital devices?
As children age, their use and interaction with media devices and services increases. Those aged 12 to 15 increasingly spend the most time per week online. They select the most significant number of options.
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TV services like Netflix, Now TV,
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Amazon Prime Video
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A video-sharing website YouTube
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Have a social media profile
Also, preschoolers aged 3-4 are spending more time on tablets.
“The number of younger children using Internet-connected electronic devices is increasing at an accelerated rate. This means that more individuals are susceptible to cyber attacks and other hazards, such as cyberbullying and offensive content. Therefore, parents should become more aware of their children’s online activities and begin educating them at an early age.
Compared to the previous year, vloggers’ content was more popular than ever among children ages 3 to 15. Such content was also viewed as a source of creative inspiration. Many interviewees upload content to both YouTube and Musical.ly, and it frequently imitates that of prominent YouTubers. Additionally, the rising prominence of vloggers may contribute to the increasing pressure to spend money online. Although children know that their favored YouTubers are compensated for product endorsements, this does not prevent them from purchasing endorsed products.
The most significant parental concern is companies accumulating information about their children’s online activities.
Three additional concerns emerged over the year: the possibility of the child becoming radicalized online, the pressure on the child to spend money online, and the case of the child injuring their reputation.
Despite their growing concerns, parents are sometimes less likely to restrict their children’s activities. In 2018, minors aged 12 to 15 were less likely to report receiving information or advice from their parents or guardians compared to 2017. Some parents believed that their children used common sense when interacting online. Others believed that internet safety was already taught in classrooms.
Cybersecurity education should begin at a young age, when parents are still in charge. Often, restricting certain online activities is not the best option. Instead, one should explain to their children the significance of digital reputation, fact-checking, online etiquette, and safety, as well as the operation of online advertising. Being receptive and empathetic will earn the child’s trust. The most essential thing for a parent or guardian to do is to set the best possible example,”
The study’ Children and Parents: Media Use and attitudes report 2018′ was released in February 2019.
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