The internet has ceased to be merely a tool for information search or leisure. For the modern schoolchild, it is an environment that shapes habits, influences behavior, and carries real threats. The results of a large-scale National Study on Children's Online Safety in Ukraine, conducted by Sense Research, reveal an alarming picture of the digital maturation of the younger generation.
The Myth of Safety: 75% of Children Face Threats
The illusion that schoolchildren can remain within a "safe perimeter" of the network is dispelled by facts. According to RBC-Ukraine data, over the last year, only 25.4% of students did not encounter unwanted or uncomfortable content. This means that more than three-quarters of children are regularly exposed to materials that can cause psychological harm or form a distorted view of reality.
Analysis shows that a significant portion of schoolchildren are not just observing risks but are actively involved in dangerous forms of online interaction. While the prevalence of such practices varies, the mere fact of their existence requires close attention from parents and educators.
Lies and Aggression as the Norm
One of the most alarming trends is the normalization of disinformation and aggression online. More than half of the respondents (56.4%) admitted to providing false information about their age at least once. This creates grounds for manipulation by malicious actors and blurs the boundaries of digital identity.
An even more serious problem is cyberbullying. 35.1% of schoolchildren became initiators of bullying peers on the internet over the last year. Researchers also recorded cases of physical violence provoked by or related to online activity: almost every 15th respondent admitted to committing violent acts against others.
Financial Risks and New Technologies
Children's digital literacy does not always correlate with their financial and legal awareness. About 6% of respondents reported experience with cryptocurrency transactions, which carries high risks of financial loss for minors. Additionally, 3.9% of children admitted to participating in online gambling for money.
Modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are also becoming tools in the hands of teenagers. 3.3% of schoolchildren used AI to influence other users. Furthermore, 2.8% of children invited peers to participate in dangerous online challenges that could threaten their health and lives.
