Children and adolescents are much more aware of the risks associated with internet use than adults believe. Yes, they know that they spend more hours than they should in front of screens, that this limits them from exercising, being with friends, studying, or sleeping, and they understand that there are serious risks, that what they post online can be used against them, that they expose their privacy excessively, and that this can have dire consequences. So why do they do it then? For the same reason that adults who use more internet than their own children do, and who have no qualms about sharing their lives and those of their offspring on social media. Contrary to popular belief, it is not teenagers who use the internet the most: it is childless adults (4.7 hours a day), followed by parents with 4.3 hours, and then teenagers with 4.2 hours daily.
The report Childhood and adolescence in digital environments, prepared by Gad3 for the Orange Foundation and Save the Children, based on conversations with 17 experts and over 2,500 interviews with parents, teenagers (14 to 17 years old), teachers, and the general population. This work reveals that 93% of the surveyed teenagers consider that they should change some of their current screen habits. And they are clear about which ones: reducing screen time (54%); spending more time on sports (39%); and not sleeping close to a digital device (34%).
What do they use the internet for? Basically, to socialize. 90% use it to chat with their friends, the same percentage that uses it for leisure activities and entertainment, such as watching videos, series, and playing online games.
Some parents recognize mistakes
14% of teenagers also claim that their parents use mobile phones or digital platforms more than they do, and 34% the same amount as them. In this sense, some parents admit that they are sometimes a bad example to their children in terms of technology use habits. According to Andrés Conde, responsible for Save the Children, these data reveal some good news: parents can improve their behavior in front of their kids by reducing their screen time, serving as an example for their offspring.
Therefore, the experts participating in the report emphasize the importance of reflecting on one's own behavior, as one cannot promote conscious and healthy use in childhood and adolescence without a consistent example from their families. They advocate for adopting limits and balanced habits that not only benefit adults in terms of their own use but also help educate children and adolescents in their daily lives. They also call for eradicating the practice of giving children a screen to keep them from bothering others: “Say no to the technological pacifier,” says Conde.
Awareness of the risks
According to this report, the vast majority of teenagers (81%) are aware of the risks in the digital environment and understand the importance of protecting their privacy. It is worth noting that 62% of minors claim to have a good understanding of the type of information they share on digital platforms. However, more than half of them (as well as adults) state that they do not know how to protect their personal information online.
According to the study, almost half of the surveyed teenagers have received messages from strangers; 13% have received insults, harassment, or threats in the digital environment; and 28% of teachers have witnessed such situations. Faced with digital risk situations, the most common reaction among teenagers is to block the person or account responsible. Additionally, 25% turn to their parents, while 13% decide not to take any action.
Who should educate?
Regarding who is responsible for educating the younger generation on the proper use of technology, the experts consulted in the study, as well as society in general, agree that this task falls primarily on parents. This is in contrast to the opinion of parents of minors under 18 years old, who give more prominence to technology companies, the government, or teachers.
Teenagers reinforce this conclusion by also highlighting their parents as the main responsible for their digital education. However, they also mention the role that other agents play in raising awareness, including teachers and educational centers, as well as external figures, with a special mention of the National Police.
Not very useful parental control
Specifically regarding parental control, according to the report findings, 61% of parents rely on tools to monitor their children's actions (this percentage drops to 56% among those with children aged 13 to 17 years). 68% of parents believe that their right to review devices is more relevant than the minors' right to privacy. In contrast, the majority of teenagers (65%) complain that these monitoring tools limit their privacy. Additionally, 60% know how to bypass them.
According to the conclusions of the report, and taking into account the opinions of the experts consulted, the Orange Foundation and Save the Children propose a series of recommendations for responsible use of technology, with a special focus on its use within the family environment.
Digital disconnection
Among these tips, it is worth highlighting the need to make some changes in digital habits within the family, with recommendations such as setting usage schedules and time limits, encouraging digital disconnection through analog activities, avoiding using devices as a “technological pacifier,” etc.
On the other hand, it is important to reflect on the privacy of childhood and adolescence, both regarding the data shared by parents (sharenting) and that exposed by young people on their social networks. Therefore, recommendations in this area are also included, such as the need to keep accounts private, avoid sharing sensitive data (location, address, school...), or avoid conversations with strangers.
