A just-released survey of more than 25,000 9-to-16-year-olds (and one of each child's parents) in 25 European countries recommends that Internet companies "provide more ways for children to block, filter or report alarming online content and contacts," yet only a little over a quarter (28%) of families surveyed actually use such tech tools. According to the study's press release, the findings … [Read more...] about Pan-European survey of 25,000 kids
Sonia Livingstone
Europe’s update of the youth online risk picture
A new study of online risks to youth in 23 European countries found that "the Internet is now central to children’s lives across Europe, and they use it for a range of things which are often beneficial including schoolwork, playing games, watching video and instant messaging," reported lead author Sonia Livingstone at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The EU Kids Online … [Read more...] about Europe’s update of the youth online risk picture
The new media monsters we’ve created for our kids
In adjusting to a media environment very different from the mass-media one we grew up in, we adults have created some monsters. They're large, intimidating "creatures" that threaten the mutually respectful parent-child and educator-student communication that young people want and deserve in this highly participatory, sometimes overwhelming new media environment.One of the monsters is the "digital … [Read more...] about The new media monsters we’ve created for our kids
Europe’s amazing Internet-safety work
Last week I had the great good fortune of participating in Safer Internet Forum 2009 in Luxembourg. What a fantastic experience, connecting with online-safety experts representing the 27 EU member countries plus Malaysia, Brazil, and New Zealand. I spoke on "Online Safety 3.0" and felt right at home (imagine how confirming it is to have colleagues from Bulgaria and Slovenia come up afterwards and … [Read more...] about Europe’s amazing Internet-safety work
Important new book on youth online
So much great work in youth social-media use and online safety has been going on in the UK, from the Byron Review and ensuing Action Plan to the just-released "Digital Manifesto" from a coalition of children's nonprofits to Digizen.org to the EU Kids Online project based at the London School of Economics & Political Science. LSE professor Sonia Livingstone has been busy - having directed EU Kids … [Read more...] about Important new book on youth online