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| Wednesday, 15 August 2007 | |
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European Union survey demonstrates the risks of new media for the younger element of our population. Discount all suggestions that more people took part in this survey than will vote in the next EU parliamentary elections.
No more jokes. The latest survey by the European Commission of how children cope with online media provides a glimpse into a world that most adults and parents cannot (or prefer not to) see. The Eurobarometer survey covered 9-10 and 12-14 year olds in the EU27 plus Norway and Iceland and looked at mobile phone and Internet experiences. Some of the resulting vox pops are eye-opening. They cover awareness of online risks and personal online precautions, which generally appear positive, but reveal a weakness in terms of reporting problems and engaging in ‘risky behaviour’. "I would tell anybody except my parents, I would be too much afraid that my mother finds confirmation of what she fears and prevents me from going to chat rooms".(Girl, 9-10 years old, German). "I met him at a station and then it was an old, nasty 44 year old man. Then I walked away!" (Boy, 12-14 years old, Denmark). "This is the first time children all across Europe have been asked directly how they use online technologies, how much they browse for fun and for schoolwork, and how they deal with risks", says Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information Society and Media. "It is encouraging to see Europe's youth embrace digital technologies so confidently. The capability of making active use of new media is key for the development of a knowledge-based society in Europe. At the same time, these survey results underline Europe's need for proactive online media education. We must also continue to raise awareness about the opportunities and risks of new media, especially among parents. Where the security of our children is at stake, there can be no room for complacency." The European Union is too often chastised for interfering in people’s lives. One wonders what sort of ‘interference’ these hardline critics would prefer. To get full and formal information, click here. It's important. Jim Chalmers |
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