The European Commission has released a report ''Safer Internet for Children'', which looks at how children from 9 to 10 and 12 to 14 use online means of communication. The report, which was published on 10 August, covers the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU), Norway and Iceland. According to the report's results, Internet and mobile phone use has become almost self-evident for Europe's young generation; in general adolescents are more aware of the risks of using these means of communication, but will still only seek the help of an adult as a last resort.
The study found that the way children use new technologies is very similar across Europe. On the internet, games, surfing and communication are favourite activities, while on mobile phones sending text messages (SMS) and calling parents or friends are favourites. Although encouraged by the report's findings the European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, Viviane Reding, warned that there was a need to ''continue to raise awareness about the opportunities and risks of new media, especially among parents,'' concluding that ''where the security of our children is at stake, there can be no room for complacency.''
As well as publishing the global study, the EC has also released national reports for each of the 29 countries covered by the study. In the case of Portugal, it is concluded that need and curiosity are the main motivations to use the internet. Frequency of use is generally higher for 12 to 14 year olds, but there is wide variation within both of the groups studied. Most commonly used applications are online games, searching for information for school work, chatting and surfing.
As far as the dangers are concerned, children point to three main threats: computer viruses, contact with strangers and hacking. Children admit to making illegal downloads of content, even though most confirm that they know they are breaking the law. In a risk situation, parents, best friends and teachers are the people that children are most likely to turn to.
The results of this survey will be used to refine Europe's ''Safer Internet'' programme. Launched in 1999 to promote the safer use of online technology, above all when used by children, the programme aims to combat illegal and harmful content ranging from child abuse images to racism. Its current phase (Safer Internet plus) will run until 2008, and on 12 February of that year, the next Safer Internet Day will be held.
Consult:
- Safer Internet for Children - Qualitative study in 29 European countries - national analysis: Portugal'', European Commission, April 2007 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=511741
- Safer Internet for Children - Qualitative study in 29 European countries - summary report'', European Commission, May 2007 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=511742
Further information:
- Press Releases-Eurobarometer: Are Europe's children too confident in tackling online risks? http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/07/1227&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
- UE: Safer Internet Plus http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/index_en.htm
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Online safety for children - responses to European public consultation https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=494611
- Safer Internet and online technologies for children - public consultation https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=475422
- Safer Internet: assessment of content filtering programs https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=453946
