A majority of children say they learn something new online at least every week, but large numbers still face risks online, according to a new report produced by LSE and UNICEF.
The report is part of The Global Kids Online project launched on Wednesday 2 November 2016, which aims to build a global network of researchers investigating the risks and opportunities of child internet use.
The new report publishes pilotstudies among children aged 9 – 17 from countries around the world. The indicative findings show that children are gaining a range of online opportunities including learning, health information, social connections and new digital skills.
However the findings also suggest that the more time children spend online, the more risks they face, while many parents lack the digital skills to support their children online.
Professor Sonia Livingstone of the Department of Media and Communications, one of the authors of the report, said: “As the internet reaches more children in more countries, it is vital to extend the evidence base to guide policy makers as they balance children’s rights to participation, provision and protection online.”
Download the Global Kids Online Research Synthesis Report 2015 – 2016