WELLINGTON, 26 NOV – More than a quarter of New Zealand children aged eight are exposed to at least one type of worrying online content such as bullying, peer pressure or adult content, according to a study published today.
The study involved nearly 5,000 eight-year-olds along with their parents’ ratings of their emotions, behavior, and access to digital devices and media, reports Xinhua.
Children who have behavioral problems or own more personal devices are at higher risk of being exposed to online dangers and are linked to symptoms of depression and low self-esteem, according to researchers from the University of Canterbury.
As children spend more and more time online, there is a risk they are exposed to disturbing content, including inappropriate or adult content, cyberbullying and interactions with strangers, says senior lecturer at the Institute of Child Wellbeing, University of Canterbury Megan Gath .
Gaming devices have the biggest impact in increasing the risk of online harm, followed by computers or laptops and televisions.
Children who own personal devices are at higher risk of online harm if they use the device without adult supervision, said Gath, who also authored the study.
The study recommends that parents limit access to personal devices and use a more collaborative, rather than controlling, strategy to manage children’s digital media use. – Named
