report
In collaboration with the UAE Cyber Security Council, Kaspersky released a report entitled “Growing Up Online” in September 2024, based on a survey of 1000 parent-child pairs in the UAE. The report explores children’s online behavior and offers parents guidance on digital parenting. This blog post will examine some of the key findings of the report, focusing on the time children spend online, social networking, and the psychological effects of gadget use.
Time Spent Online: A Balancing Act
While the majority of parents in the UAE (93%) provide their children with gadgets for educational purposes, a significant concern is the amount of time children spend online. As children age, their screen time and likelihood of gadget addiction increase. The report found that older children are more likely to spend extended periods online, with 26% of children using the internet for 3 or more hours daily. This trend underscores the importance of parents setting healthy tech boundaries and encouraging a balance between online and offline activities.
The Allure of Gadgets and the Importance of Real-World Engagement
The report reveals that gadgets play a crucial role in children’s lives in the UAE, with 80% stating they cannot live without them. This dependence can lead to negative emotions when access is restricted, with 45% of children feeling sad, 28% feeling angry, and 12% feeling scared when their mobile phone battery dies.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, emphasizes the addictive nature of digital activities and highlights the importance of real-world engagement:
“based on the continuous efforts and dedication of the CSC for child online safety with our global partners, we are happy to release this report that touches on various important recommendations and advice”
This underscores the need for parents to promote activities that foster social interaction and create lasting memories outside the digital realm.
Managing Digital Addiction and Promoting Positive Online Habits
The report highlights the prevalence of digital addiction among children and the challenges parents face in managing their children’s online activities.
The report recommends several strategies for parents to mitigate digital addiction and encourage a balanced approach to technology use, including:
●Open communication: Talking to children about the importance of real-life social interactions.
●Utilizing parental control tools: Installing applications like Kaspersky Safe Kids to monitor and restrict excessive screen time.
●Setting a positive example: Demonstrating healthy tech usage habits for children to emulate.
●Educating oneself: Staying informed about cybersecurity trends, apps, and essential practices to safeguard against digital risks.
By implementing these strategies, parents can help their children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, fostering a healthy balance between online and offline life.
For more information read the full report here.
Tips