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Online habits of Maltese children [Malta Independent, The](Malta Independent, The Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) A recent survey carried out by the Malta Communications Authority under the heading Use of ICT by Minors, reveals some interesting statistics regarding the online habits of Maltese children. The study reveals that 98 per cent of children aged between eight and 15 have access to the internet in the home. In the same age group, 56 per cent have access to the internet on their mobiles. Other statistics show that 41 per cent of children between the ages of eight and 11 have a Facebook account in their name despite the minimum age of 13 to register on the social network. When it comes to parents of children using the internet, statistics show that 27 per cent of parents of boys and 34 per cent of parents of girls trust their children on the internet. The figures themselves show the proliferation of the internet amongst Maltese children. With nearly all Maltese children accessing the internet, half of them on their mobiles, there is no doubt that questions as to whether or not they are using the internet safely are justified. Increasingly, parents have become more and more aware of the possible pitfalls of internet use. For the last six months, the BeSmartOnline campaign has brought the issue to the fore through numerous courses and programmes on the subject of online safety. Now, Vodafone has also stepped in to support this campaign through its newly launched website www.ibrowsesafely.com.mt. Parents and educators have the right to know and a duty to be informed. (c) 2013 Standard Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company |