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Objective Assessment of the Nature and Extent of Children’s Internet-Based World: Protocol for the Kids Online Aotearoa Study

Authors :
Marcus Gurtner
Moira Smith
Ryan Gage
Anna Howey-Brown
Xinyi Wang
Tevita Latavao
Jeremiah D Deng
Sander P Zwanenburg
James Stanley
Louise Signal
Source :
JMIR Research Protocols, Vol 11, Iss 10, p e39017 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
JMIR Publications, 2022.

Abstract

BackgroundChildren under 18 years of age account for approximately 1 in 3 internet users worldwide. Largely unregulated, the internet-based world is evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly intrusive. There is a dearth of objective research globally on children’s real-time experiences of the internet-based world. ObjectiveThis paper reports an objective methodology to study the nature and extent of children’s internet-based world, their engagement with it, and how this impacts their health and well-being. MethodsA total of 180 year 8 students from 12 schools will be recruited into the study within the Wellington region of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Children use Zoom video teleconferencing software to record real-time, screen-shared internet-based content, for 4 consecutive days. Data on demographics, health and well-being, and attitudes and perceived behaviors in relation to the internet-based world are collected. Phone screen-time balances are retrieved. Data collection commenced in June 2021 and is anticipated to be completed in 2023. ResultsRecordings show children exploring diverse web-based settings and content, including personalized content curated by algorithms on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Preliminary analysis shows that the data can be used to study a wide range of topics. Behavioral Observation Research Interaction Software is being used to manually code recordings. Artificial Intelligence techniques are also being applied, including hashtag extraction, optical character recognition, as well as object, pattern, speech, and lyric recognition. ConclusionsThis novel methodology reveals the unique internet-based experiences of children. It is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that their rights are protected. It seeks to provide concrete evidence on internet usage in this group and to facilitate appropriate political and societal action to effectively regulate the internet-based world to prevent harm to children. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/39017

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19290748
Volume :
11
Issue :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
JMIR Research Protocols
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.8bdd3efaa7f5496eb3330737a521fffe
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2196/39017