At our recent ASAP co-creation workshop (february 2025) we have presented some of the key findings from our field research in Italy, focusing on children’s online safety and communication habits.
The research, based on interviews, focus groups, and surveys with students, parents, teachers, school leaders, and cyberbullying specialists, highlights key trends, concerns, and possible solutions for a safer digital experience.
Smartphone ownership: the new normal
The study reveals that 89% of middle school students in Italy who replied to our survey own a smartphone, and among them:
- 42% received it at age 11
- 26% at age 10
- 21% before age 10
For the 11% without their own smartphone, the majority (81%) regularly use a family member’s device.
This means that by age 11, nearly all pre-adolescents could have access to digital platforms and social networks.
Social media use: platforms of choice
Despite age restrictions, Italian pre-teens are highly active on social media. The most used platforms are:
- WhatsApp (89%)
- YouTube (81%)
- Spotify (61%)
- TikTok (55%)
- Instagram (54%)
- Facebook (only 6%)
Interestingly, parents display different habits, with a strong preference for Facebook (66%) and lower engagement with TikTok (10%) or Instagram. This generational gap raises questions about how parents can effectively support their children online when they use different platforms.
Many pre-teens create social media accounts in Italy without parental consent or guidance:
- 44% sign up for YouTube alone
- 40% join TikTok independently
- 38% create WhatsApp accounts without parents’ help
- 34% sign up for Instagram by themselves
These numbers highlight the urgent need for digital education to ensure young users understand privacy settings, content risks, and appropriate online behavior.
Negative online experiences: a silent issue
18% of pre-teens reported at least one negative or disturbing online experience in the past year, including:
- Unwanted messages
- Exposure to offensive or violent content
- Bullying or online harassment
Among them, 39% said it happened a few times, while 8% experienced distressing incidents almost daily.
When dealing with these experiences:
- 17% did not tell anyone
- 40% turned to friends
- 33% confided in their parents
- Only 7% sought help from teachers
This reluctance to seek adult support suggests a lack of trust or fear of being judged. It also emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for pre-teens to talk about their digital lives without fear of punishment.
Parents and teachers
The study revealed significant gaps between adults and children regarding social media:
- Parents are often torn between trust and control, worrying about cyberbullying, addiction, and online privacy.
- Teachers, who primarily use Facebook and WhatsApp, struggle to understand the TikTok and Instagram-dominated digital world of their students.
- Many teachers lack clear guidelines on how to address online safety, and their approach is often reactive rather than proactive.
This highlights the need for structured digital education programs, not just for students, but also for parents and educators.
How can we support pre-adolescents online?
Our finding suggests several key actions:
✅ Build trust: encourage open, judgment-free conversations about online experiences.
✅ Educate early: start digital literacy programs in primary school, not just in middle school.
✅ Empower parents and teachers: provide support, and training to help them understand and navigate children’s digital world.
✅ Move beyond strict control: focus on guidance and awareness rather than just restrictions.
The bottom line: a shared responsibility
Our field research highlights that full control over a child’s online life is unrealistic, but proactive education and open dialogue can significantly reduce risks.
Pre-teens need guidance, not just restrictions, to explore the digital world safely and responsibly.
🔹 How do you support your child’s digital journey?
Let’s continue the conversation at Social Media Kids!
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.
