Children's online activities are often misunderstood by parents, teachers: Report

Dr Vinalini Mathrani, the principal investigator of the study, which is available in both Kannada and English, emphasised a key finding — children feel that their concerns about online safety are often overlooked
What did the report say?
What did the report say?(Pic: EdexLive Desk)
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A recent study by Enfold Proactive Health Trust highlighted an overlooked gap between what children experience online and how well their parents and teachers understand those experiences.

Titled “Pathways for Healthy Digital Engagement: Perspectives of Children and Adult Stakeholders from Karnataka, India”, the study, released on Saturday, February 1, reflects on how children’s online activities are often misunderstood by the very people — within family and schools — who should be helping protect them, stated a report by The New Indian Express.

The study, which gathered input from over 150 children aged 10 to 16 in Bengaluru, along with their parents and teachers, paints a picture of how children engage online — often in ways that adults don’t fully understand.

While digital platforms offer a global exposure for learning and entertainment, they also expose children to risks that many adults are not aware of, making children, parents, and teachers take a single perspective differently.

Dr Vinalini Mathrani, the principal investigator of the study, which is available in both Kannada and English, emphasised a key finding — children feel that their concerns about online safety are often overlooked.

Despite being at the forefront of online engagement, their voices are not always heard by the adults who are supposed to guide and protect them. This lack of understanding can make it harder to ensure a safe online environment for children, she highlighted.

At the report release, a panel discussion moderated by Dr Sangeeta Saksena, Co-founder of Enfold Proactive Health Trust, delved into the role that parents, teachers, and counsellors must play in protecting children online, according to the report by The New Indian Express.

Panelists stressed the importance of building trust so that children feel comfortable sharing their online experiences. They highlighted the need for adults to stay informed about digital trends, and to create an open dialogue with children about their online activities.

Rohini CK, Assistant Commissioner of Police in Whitefield, also addressed the need for quick action when it comes to online crimes. She encouraged both parents and children to make use of helplines like 1930 (Cyber Crime) and 1098 (Child Helpline) to report issues promptly, emphasising that early reporting is key to preventing harm.

The event also discussed plans to integrate digital safety training in schools to equip both students and teachers with the tools they need to navigate the digital world safely.

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