Abstract:

As children's activity on social networks increases, the issue of internet safety is coming under the spotlight. This research study systematically examines the safety aspects of three key social platforms - TikTok, Snapchat and Be Real - through a broad survey of responses from children aged 9-15. The main objective is to identify situations where the use of these social networks brings safety benefits and where they may pose potential risks, particularly with regard to internet safety.

The main objective of this study is to systematically and in-depth understand how children perceive and interact with these digital platforms, especially in terms of internet safety. We observe the time children spend on these social networks and assess in detail their personal experiences, including positive and negative aspects. We then identify situations in which children are more susceptible to potential risks associated with the online environment.

The study also explores the strategies children use to protect their online accounts, personal privacy, identity and mobile devices within these social platforms. Another key element of this study is a look at the content that children create and share on these social networks. We focus on identifying patterns of content creation and explore how this digital expression may affect users' social interactions and mental health. The findings will allow us not only to better understand how children perceive and use modern social networks, but also to propose specific preventive measures.

The results of this extensive analysis serve as a valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking to create a safe and supportive online environment for youth. This study aims to actively contribute to shaping the debate on optimal strategies for keeping children safe when using social networking sites.

Keywords:

Social networks, Online safety, Digital behavior, TikTok, Snapchat, Be Real.