Young People and Internet Use
The Office of Communications in the United Kingdom released the findings of a study on children’s media literacy last week. Here are a few highlights:
Viewership of television shows, films and video on the Internet are increasing among children. Most children say that they “can always find what they are looking for” online. Over half of homes with Internet access have no controls or blocking software as parents believe in their children’s ability to self-regulate their online behavior.
More than half of 12 to 15 year olds with Internet access at home have a social networking profile. About 11% of them use social networking sites to communicate with strangers. Users of social networking sites are not aware of safety and security risks, and feel immune to them. Older girls are more likely to use the Internet for instant messaging and social networking than older boys.
However, a third reported that they are not interested in creating a social networking profile. Around half do not plan to upload and content such as photos, blogs and videos online.
Image by Jim Sneddon