The Webwise study, undertaken in December 2005 and administered to over 800 Irish children between the ages of 9 and 16 will be published in April 2006. These preliminary indications relate to children aged 10 to 16.

Internet security and safety

Just over 40% of children believe ‘most or all’ of what they find on the internet.

57% ‘do nothing’ to confirm that the information they find on the internet is true.

Children identified parents and schools as the preferred sources of internet safety information.
• Schools 46%
• Parents 46%

Internet use

28% of young people surveyed have access to the Internet through new technologies e.g., mobile phone, games console.

The most popular online activities are:
• Doing Homework (41%)
• Surfing for fun (48%)
• Downloading Music (53%)
• Playing Games (56%)

The survey also questioned the children about mobile phone usage.
• 26% of mobile phone owners had received a message that threatened or frightened them.
• 41% of children who received such messages knew the person who sent the message
• 42% reported there are no rules from home for using mobile phones.