Thai kids most interested in online video, audio content: Kaspersky data

Technology is what is saving us from a complete change in the way of life in a world of a raging pandemic. It keeps the educational process going, relieves the shortage of human communication and helps us to live life as fully as possible given the isolation and social distancing. In this situation, many adults and children, too, have come to realise that the computer is not just a means of entertainment but an important tool for education, communication and personal growth, Kaspersky noted.

In 2020, children in Thailand most visited websites with video and audio content (45.31%). In second place was internet communication media (26.06%), in which children visited web versions of WhatsApp and Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and other sites in this category. Third place went to e-commerce websites (11.35%). But interest in computer games turned out low, at 9.93%, the firm said.

Kaspersky’s statistics are based on anonymised data collected by its security network from users of Kaspersky Safe Kids, a software solution that protects children from unwanted content on the internet on both Windows and macOS platforms.

“The children of today started interacting with technology at an early age and do not know a world without the internet, computers or mobile devices,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

“With the onset of the pandemic, their exposure and intertwining of technology in their lives is now more so than ever – whether it is for learning or leisure. As they live in the age of the internet, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide a safe space for them to learn and grow, and to protect them from exposure to negative content and vices that are rampant on the web,” he said.

While only a small portion, Kaspersky in 2020 still blocked some Thai kids’ attempts to visit websites related to dangerous content such as pornography (0.28%), hate and discrimination (0.05%), weapons (0.05%), internet gambling (0.04%) and drugs (0.01%).

“We will not be able to eradicate the existence of vices on the internet, such as pornography, gambling, content around hate and discrimination and even weapon or drug use, nor can we completely prevent children from being exposed to them as they continue to grow independent. However, aside from setting in place the appropriate cyber-safety measures for our children, we can also educate them to form a healthy understanding and recognition of these vices and guide them,” Yeo added.

Kaspersky offers some good tips to parents to ensure their children have a positive online experience:

• Spend more time communicating with your children about online safety measures. Tell your children what must not, under any circumstances, be published on the internet and why.

• Surf and learn together. See where they spend their time online and explore how to best keep them safe. Also spend time with them playing online games, so you can learn from each other.

• Explain that all the sensitive information can be shared only via messengers and only with people you know in real life.

• Learn more about your children’s interests.

Kaspersky said its Safe Kids feature can provide parents with regular reports on what makes their children’s day. The app analyses kids’ online search activity and manages screen time without encroaching on their personal space. For more information, visit: https://securelist.com/how-kids-coped-with-covid.../100450/.