Abstract
This paper looks at the usage of social media devices and applications, and parental knowledge and involvement among Abu Dhabi children in Grade 6 or higher. It examines the young children’s usage of personal computers, mobile phones and tablet PCs, and social media related apps. The paper tries to understand the reasons for joining or not joining online social networking. It explores the parental knowledge of such activities and their chance of being invited to join their children’s’ social networking groups. More than 31,000 children from private and public schools participated in the online survey. Results show a high home access to the Internet of 91.7 %. Children reported using social networks mainly for keeping in touch with family and friends, and to find information. Most of the children reported that their parents were aware of their online social networking activities (82.2 %). About 38.7 % said that their parents were in their friend group on online social networking. There is negative correlation between time spent on social networks and perceived student performance in specific subjects. The paper also discusses gender, grade (or age), and school type and implications.
Highlights
There is increasing evidence that the amount of time children are spending on technological devices and social media at home and in school has raised concerns on the impact of these activities on their development (Goh et al 2015; Kanthawongsa and Kanthawongs 2013)
This paper addresses a need in the research to study Internet use among school children and to examine the extent of parental monitoring regarding children’s use of digital devices and online social networking applications and tools
The introductory letter explained to students that the policy makers in Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) urges students to tell them what they do and how they feel about their experiences with online social media and networking
Summary
There is increasing evidence that the amount of time children are spending on technological devices and social media at home and in school has raised concerns on the impact of these activities on their development (Goh et al 2015; Kanthawongsa and Kanthawongs 2013). Research points out that the use of social media among children has increased extensively (Rosen et al 2014; Willett 2015). The Global Mideast Insight (2016) cited that social media in the Emirates has use in communication, connecting with friends, family or inclined individuals, as a news source and even to organize large events. For some small to medium business owners it is their entire advertising platform
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