Mitigating Online Risk Through Education: Investigating the Technology Use and Online Behavior of Young People

• In Event: 63.084 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-6 - Online Learning Research and Innovation

Abstract

Enthusiasm about the educational benefits made possible by the Internet has been tempered by apprehension regarding the prospects for mitigating associated online threats. Numerous safety measures exist, from legislation to technical controls. Though no doubt helpful, these are not a substitute for education and training. The findings of a study are presented aimed at identifying technologies young people have access to, but more importantly, the degree to which youth engage in risky online behavior. Overall findings were discouraging, with the majority of participants showing poor judgment in safeguarding their wellbeing. The study is predicated on the premise that it is through a better understanding of today’s youth, and their online practices, that effective awareness-raising training and interventions can be implemented.

Authors

• Boaventura DaCosta, Solers Research Group

• Soonhwa Seok, Korea University