Girls aged 12-14 are much more conscious about the risks of communicating with strangers through the Net than boys in the same age bracket.
A qualitative survey conducted by the European Commission in the 27 EU member states assessing the use of the Internet and mobile phones by the younger generation shows that Maltese children are very well versed with both means of communication and are also aware of the risks these new technologies can pose.
In this survey, conducted by MISCO on behalf of the European Commission, 32 Maltese children from different social backgrounds and divided into two age groups, 9-10 and 12-14 years, respectively, were interviewed.
The survey results show that almost all children, except two in the younger grouping, have access to the Internet at home. Mobile phones are also easily available, with 21 of the 32 children interviewed declaring that they own a mobile phone.
According to the conclusions of the study, the younger respondents and the 12- to 14-year-old girls seemed to be interested to find out more about how to use the Internet in a safer way. However, boys in the same age group felt that they had all the information they needed to be safe when using the Internet. At the same time, the younger respondents (both genders) seemed to be more inclined to seek assistance from adults in case problems are encountered while on the Internet compared to the older respondents, who stated they would be inclined to deal with the situation themselves and take matters into their own hands.
As for the use of the Internet, it was more frequent among the 12- to 14-year-olds, both in terms of frequency as well as duration. The survey also notes that more restrictions and conditions are imposed on the younger children. While the younger children agreed that their parents imposed certain restrictions for their own good, this idea was not welcomed by the 12- to 14-year-olds of both sexes. The Internet was used mostly for research, both academic and personal, playing games online as well as chatting on MSN.
Maltese respondents often mentioned that viruses were a problem related to the use of the Internet. However they did mention, both spontaneously as well as when prompted, that other serious problems could crop up when using the Internet.
The major risks were attributed particularly to signing in to open chat rooms where one would be very vulnerable to possible harassers. Respondents aged nine and ten showed more concern in the possibility of being exposed to certain risks, thus exercising behaviours such as double-checking before entering a site.
On the other hand, the respondents aged 12-14 did not show the same attitude and so did not change the way they used mobile and Internet services.
Striking differences were also noted in children's use of mobile phones. For those aged nine and ten the mobile phone had an emergency function and to keep in contact with parents. On the other hand, 12- to 14-year-olds (both genders) explained that their mobiles were a means of keeping in contact with both parents and friends.
Commenting on these results, Information Society and Media EU Commissioner Viviane Reding said 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.
"It is encouraging to see Europe's youth embrace digital technologies so confidently. The ability to make 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."