ZAGREB, December 27, 2018 – The Internet is the main source of information to Croatian children and is a crucial socialisation tool, with more than 90% of children using mobile phones on a daily basis, which is why the risk of becoming addicted to the virtual world is growing, it was concluded at a round table discussion held in Zagreb.
As many as 93% of children use mobile or smart phones, and they do it frequently without adult supervision.
Four in five children (83%) use personal computers and one in four (26%) play on a console every day, expert Danijel Labaš said at the event, citing the findings of the 2017 survey “EU Kids” which covered also 1,097 children from Croatia aged 9-17.
The round table discussion was organised at the end of a six-month campaign aimed at raising awareness of the risk of Croatian children becoming addicted to the virtual world. The campaign covered nine primary schools in Zagreb.
“Media literacy is the literacy of the 21st century, and children should be taught how to live with media but also how to use them properly to avoid addiction,” Labaš said.
He also spoke about the lack of awareness among young people of the risks arising from making friendships online with strangers.
A third of the young people surveyed communicate with strangers online. Furthermore, one in four teenagers aged 15-17 have met in person with strangers after online contact.
Experts see poor communication between parents and children as the reason why children seek solace in the virtual world.
More news on the use of IT technologies in Croatia can be found in our Lifestyle section.
