A Glance Into the Online World of Children: A study to Examine the Online Activities of Children in Indonesia

Authors

  • Karen Muller Child Witness Institute, South Africa
  • Astrid Gonzaga Dionisio UNICEF, Indonesia
  • Sanghyun Park UNICEF, Indonesia
  • Nahar Deputy of Special Protection for Children, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Indonesia
  • Ciput Purwianti Assistant Deputy of Child Protection from Violence, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v12i1.77

Abstract

Digital technology has influenced children's lives, shaping their norms, attitudes, and behaviours. This study aims to understand the online behaviours of children in Indonesia, exploring their activities, risks, and safety measures. Conducting semi-structured interviews with 510 children aged 9-18 across Central Java, East Java, and South Sulawesi Provinces in Indonesia, the study sheds light on the prevalence of internet usage among children and their online experiences. Indonesian children use the internet extensively for entertainment, communication, and information. Children consider the internet an important part of their lives, although they often lack awareness of online dangers and what constitutes risky behaviours, such as adding unknown contacts and sharing personal information, especially in online gaming contexts. Children rely on simple safety measures, necessitating comprehensive education on online safety. While many share their online experiences mainly with friends, those with strong parental bonds share it with their families too. The study emphasizes the importance of discussing online risks, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and cyberbullying as they frequently encounter such experiences but hesitate to report them. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for tailoring online safety programmes to meet children's needs and underscores the importance of informed digital parenting strategies to safeguard children's online well-being.

Author Biographies

Karen Muller, Child Witness Institute, South Africa

Karen Diane Muller, Child Witness Institute, B.A. (Hons) LLB, PhD (Rhodes University). Numerous publications in books and journals.

Astrid Gonzaga Dionisio, UNICEF, Indonesia

Astrid Gonzaga Dionisio, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Indonesia, MA in Child and Adolescent Welfare (Charles Sturt University, Australia)

Sanghyun Park, UNICEF, Indonesia

Sanghyun Park, Child Online Protection officer, UNICEF Indonesia, MA in Education and International Development (University College London, UK)

Nahar, Deputy of Special Protection for Children, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Indonesia

Nahar

Deputy of Special Protection for Children, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (Indonesia)

Ciput Purwianti, Assistant Deputy of Child Protection from Violence, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Indonesia

Ciput Purwianti, Assistant Deputy of Child Protection from Violence, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (Indonesia)

References

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Published

2024-06-30

How to Cite

Muller, K., Dionisio, A. G., Park, S., Nahar, & Purwianti, C. . (2024). A Glance Into the Online World of Children: A study to Examine the Online Activities of Children in Indonesia. Asean Social Work Journal, 12(1), 14–28. https://doi.org/10.58671/aswj.v12i1.77

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