Reconceptualising Digital Safety in Family Homes post COVID-19
Given the intensity and range of children's technology use, parents and grandparents cannot realistically be aware of, or understand the myriad of decisions children make every time they go online. This is particularly pertinent for children aged 10 -13 years, who are often beginning to use the internet more independent of adult guidance. COVID-19 and the increase in online learning and lifestyle dramatically amplified this.
A meaningful digitally safe home environment enables children to effectively control the risks of the internet, alongside capitalising on the benefits it provides. This project focuses on guiding the digital safety of children aged 10 - 13 years, who are transitioning to independent internet use. Quantitative data from five hundred families with children 10-13 years will be gathered to provide up-to-date evidence of the online experiences and decision-making of this age group, across all aspects of their home internet use. Thirty two diverse families with children aged 10-13 years, will participate in interviews in the family home.
The aim of this project is to use the experiences, perspectives, and needs children of this age group identify, alongside those of parents and grandparents, to produce a 'holistic', evidenced-based Family Digital Safety resource that can meaningfully guide this age group's complex online life post COVID-19.
Researcher(s): Dr Joanne Orlando, Ass Prof Michael Cowling (CQU), Dr Kwong Nui Sim (CQU)
Funding: Office of the eSafety Commissioner
Period: Oct 2022- Oct 2023.
Project website: WSU announcement
Contact: Dr Joanne Orlando
