At the recent ASAP Conference (April 2024) we presented some of the key findings from our ongoing field research in Slovenia, focusing on children’s online safety and communication habits.
Awareness of Online Risks
Our research shows that kids are generally well aware of the risks they may encounter online. Despite this awareness, they face significant communication barriers when discussing these issues with adults. Many children feel that their parents do not fully understand their online activities and often overreact when problems are reported.
Preferred Coping Strategies
The children reported various strategies for coping with online issues. While some choose to ignore the problems, others seek help from friends, parents, teachers, or other adults. Notably, many prefer to talk about their issues with friends rather than parents, highlighting a trust gap that needs to be addressed.
Suggestions for Improving Dialogue
The kids provided valuable suggestions for improving communication with adults. They expressed a desire for more openness, understanding, and trust in their relationships with parents. Privacy is a significant concern, and children feel that parents often invade their privacy, leading to a breakdown in trust. They called for safe environments where they can discuss their experiences without fear of judgment or overreaction.
Educational Preferences
In terms of online safety education, children indicated a preference for practical tips and hands-on guidance over traditional lectures. They want actionable advice on using social media safely and responsibly, rather than just being warned about potential dangers.
Smartphone Use and Social Media Habits
Our quantitative research revealed that nearly all respondents own a personal smartphone, with many receiving one before the age of 10. On average, children spend a considerable amount of time online daily, especially during weekends. YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, Spotify, and Instagram are the most popular social media platforms among Slovenian kids.
Parental Control and Supervision
While most parents allow their children to use social networking sites and web cameras, they are more cautious about sharing photos and videos. Only half of the parents implement rules about the time and space for online activities. Interestingly, many children associate parental checks with care and protection rather than intrusion.
These insights are crucial for designing effective programs and activities focused on online safety education. By fostering a more open dialogue and providing practical guidance, we can help create a safer online environment for children.
Stay tuned for more updates on our research findings and upcoming initiatives!
Learn more about ASAP innovative initiative, supported by the European Union ERASMUS Plus programme, and discover how it aims to empower young individuals and all the school community to navigate social media effectively.
For more information about the ASAP project, visit the project website here.
