Survey shows children feel safe online
Anew survey has found that UK children are feeling more confident when they use the internet, and their online wellbeing is improving. The survey was done by Internet Matters, an organisation made up of charities and internet service providers that aims to protect young people online.
What did the survey say?
Internet Matters asked 1,001 young people aged nine to 16 about their technology use. The results showed that 81% of them feel safe online most of the time. This is higher than the previous year’s results (76%). Nearly two thirds of children said spending time online makes them feel happy. They feel confident and independent when using the internet and are using it to find hobbies and be creative. The results also showed that 60% of young people said being online makes them feel like they’re part of a group.
What else did the survey find?
Parents also answered questions about how they feel about their children’s internet use. More parents are talking to their children about online experiences than previous surveys have shown, and it’s more common for children to talk to their parents after having negative experiences online. However, the survey also found children who had negative online experiences. A quarter had seen harmful content that upset or scared them. Others said they feel lonely after being online.
How have people responded?
Internet Matters said this year’s results are a “positive story”. However, the head of the organisation,
Carolyn Bunting added, “There is still much work to be done to keep children safe online.” The Children’s Commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, said many children still feel vulnerable online. “I am calling on the tech companies to take immediate action to keep our children safe from online harm,” she said.
Safer Internet Day is on 6 February – turn to page 24 (On Screen) to find out more.