Many children say that access to digital technology helps them promote their health because they can search for information online, especially about taboo topics that they are reluctant to discuss with parents and adults.
Brazil, boy, 14: [I] use technology dynamically while doing everyday activities, such as going to work and talking on the phone, running and listening to music, and all that, instead of being locked in a room playing video games.
Indonesia, girl, age unknown: [I learned] how to clean my body after menstruation, based on my religion.
Brazil, boy, age unknown: So, I looked it up when a small bump appeared on my groin next to my testicle, and I thought it was a disease, but I searched the internet and saw that it was just an ingrown hair. That gave me great relief.
Russia, girl, age unknown: I asked about things I was embarrassed to ask my mother, [such as] various women's issues, and the internet helped me.
Portugal, boy, age unknown: I felt uncomfortable asking an adult about my health, but the question was what high cholesterol levels could do to me. I went to YouTube to understand what cholesterol is... It was very useful because I could find out what could happen to me if I didn't take the necessary precautions.
Brazil, boy, age unknown: I researched mental illness, depression, and anxiety out of curiosity because no one talks about it and I wanted to know more.
Romania, girl, 15: When it comes to general... illnesses—like a cold or cough or nutrition—[it's helpful]. But for more detailed considerations ([such as] complaints about the cerebral cortex or mucous membranes), I don't think it's reliable—it's better to see a specialist.
Children around the world appreciate being able to access health information online, especially on topics they would rather not discuss with their parents.
Some children express concerns about the impact digital technology can have on children's physical and mental health. Access to illegal and harmful material is one of the main concerns, as is the impact of digital technology on self-image and body image.
South Korea, gender and age unknown: You can buy strange substances like cocaine and marijuana on the internet.
China, gender and age unknown: You can find drugs and weapons on the internet.
Brazil, boy, 13 years old: Spending too much time on the phone... can affect your eyesight and cause headaches, and also... your neck or back can hurt.
Portugal, girl, 12: The minute we get home, we're on our cell phones. Cell phones can cause depression and bullying.
Brazil, girl, 13: Spending too much time on the internet means you don't play, you don't meet up with your parents and friends, and it causes sleep deprivation and mental illness.
Brazil, girl, 13: [You can] develop low self-esteem because you don't do what others do or because you think you're not pretty enough.
Children around the world are concerned about the impact that digital technology use can have on physical and mental health.
Conclusion
Children have a clear vision of the digital world they want. They want more privacy, protection, and transparency in the digital world: one that is age-appropriate and promotes their interests, relationships, and opportunities. They believe that parents, governments, and commercial companies should respect their rights, especially those that give them access to truthful information in their own language, privacy, and protection from violence and inappropriate content. They also want to strengthen the benefits of being online, especially to create and shape a better world.
The issues on which children agree far outweigh the differences arising from their specific circumstances and contexts. This may be because, regardless of their context, they largely use the same products and services – which largely determine their experiences.
The child participation study, conducted by Professor Third and Lilly Moody in collaboration with organizations in 27 countries, captured children's views on their experiences in a wide variety of contexts and countries. However, it is important to note that digital technologies also affect children without them actively using them, for example through the automation of decisions about the distribution of public services or the prediction of educational outcomes. Children's rights are relevant not only where children are actively involved, but in all circumstances where digital technology affects their lives.
Children want – and need – to be part of the digital world, not only as users of digital products, services, and platforms, but also as developers, decision-makers, and citizens, both now and in the future. It is hoped that the findings documented in this report reflect what children want from digital technologies and what they are entitled to, and that steps will be taken to ensure that their needs are met.
A full report by Professor Amanda Third and the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University on the results of the children's survey will be published in spring 2021.