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60% of preschoolers use mobile phones, computers without supervision

Author: Roberta Mlinarić

ZAGREB, Oct 22 (Hina) - The number of crimes involving on-line child abuse and exploitation has been on the rise, around 70% of Croatian preschoolers watch TV without adult supervision, around 60% use mobile phones and computers and even two-year-olds use platforms enabling the watching, creation and commenting of videos, a round table on the on-line security of children heard in Zagreb this past week.

These data are presented in a brochure made by the Communication and Media Culture Society as part of the project "Media Children" and intended for parents and teachers. The brochure will be distributed in 12 primary schools.

The publication says, among other things, that almost half the surveyed children and teenagers who use the Facebook consider it a risky social network. Youtube, which children start using as early as at the age of 2, is also perceived as risky, and 62% of parents are concerned about the availability of inappropriate content on Youtube.

As many as 88% of children and teenagers have witnessed malicious comments and acts on social networks, the brochure says, advising parents and teachers to encourage critical thinking in children.

Ivo Jakic of the Police Directorate warned about a huge increase in criminal acts involving on-line child abuse and exploitation, citing as an example a 200% increase in crimes involving child solicitation. Activities that provide parents, teachers and children with information and raise their awareness contribute to faster recognition of dangers and risks, said Jakic.

"When we look at the number of criminal reports, they are not that high, however, when we consider that behind every number there is a victim, the situation looks alarming. By 2015 about 15 criminal reports were filed for child solicitation, and in 2016 the number of such reports rose to 61," said Jakic.

Children's Rights Ombudswoman Ivana Milas Klaric spoke about on-line violence against and among children, the lack of privacy on the Internet, and the fact that parents often knew less about the Internet than their children.

She also warned about the lack of systematic education about media content, stressing that children could see a lot of inappropriate content in the electronic media.

"It is necessary to instruct children how to use media for good things, in terms of learning and socialising, how to protect themselves, and where unwanted conduct should be reported. Despite an increase in the use of digital media, most children say that they would rather spend time with their friends outdoors, so it seems that that is where a programme for quality free time could be devised," said Milas Klaric.

(Hina) rml

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