ACTIVITIES :: Safer Internet Programme :: Eurobarometer

Eurobarometer: how do young Europeans use online and mobile technologies?

The quantitative and qualitative Eurobarometer surveys and studies conducted through the Safer Internet Programme are one of the main sources of information concerning the use of online and mobile technologies by children, as well as European citizens' knowledge of ways to protect their children from illegal and harmful content and conduct online.

Quantitative Eurobarometer

Towards a safer use of the Internet for children in the EU – a parents’ perspective (2008)

In 2008, a Flash Eurobarometer survey was conducted in order to find out parents' perceptions of their children's Internet usage and potential risks they could face online. The Flash Eurobarometer survey allows targeting specific groups during telephone-conducted interviews.

For its 2008 Safer Internet Eurobarometer survey the Commission targeted parents of children between 6 and 17 years old from all 27 EU Member States. The results showed that 75% of children (aged between 6 and 17 years) are already online and 50% of 10-year-olds have a mobile phone. 60% of European parents are worried that their child might become a victim of online grooming and 54% that their children could be bullied online.

Qualitative Eurobarometer

Safer Internet for Children – a children’s perspectives (2007)

In 2007, a pan-European qualitative study covering 29 countries was conducted. Children of 9-10 and 12-14 years old were interviewed in-depth about their use of online technologies, like the Internet and mobile phones, and how they see and deal with risks. This was the first time children all across Europe were asked directly how they use online technologies, how much they browse for fun and for schoolwork, and how they deal with risks.

The results showed that youngsters are globally well aware of the potential online risks and of the necessary precautions they need to take but they are overconfident in their ability to deal with these risks.

See detailed results