What does research tell us about 5-7 year olds online
While Australian research on the online habits of 5–7 year olds is yet to be undertaken, a Canadian study by BeWebAware, highlights that:
‘Five- to seven-year-old children have a positive outlook and an accepting nature. They take pride in their new reading and counting skills and love to converse and share ideas. They are eager to behave well; they are trusting; and they don't question authority.
Children at this age may be very capable at using computers, i.e. following commands, using the mouse, and playing computer games. They are, however, highly dependent on adults or older children to help them find web sites, interpret online information or send e-mail.
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will accept media content at face value
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don't have the critical thinking skills to be online alone
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may be frightened by media images, both real and fictional
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may be frightened by realistic portrayals of violence, threats or dangers
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are vulnerable to online marketers who encourage them to give out personal information through surveys, contests and registration forms
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risk moving from appropriate to inappropriate sites through hyperlinks
- may be exposed to search results that link to inappropriate web sites.’