That's what the authors of the latest "Net Children Go Mobile" report conclude: It's great that the UK is "in many ways … leading in children's Internet safety," but "complacency would be ill-advised" and this success could be leading to a new kind of risk: reduced opportunity in and with connected media for British children. "By comparison with some other European countries, the UK appears to … [Read more...] about Manage Net risk but focus more on opportunities: Researchers
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Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study
With its 5th national study of Australian teens' sexual attitudes, behaviors and health since 1992, La Trobe University for the first time took a careful look at social media's role in their social and sexual lives, finding that it plays a significant one. "Our survey clearly shows the major role social media has in the negotiation and development of sexual relationships," said the study's lead … [Read more...] about Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study
Zooming in on social norms: Youth sexting study
The research on teen and young adult sexting is getting more granular. One of the more interesting findings in a new study at Drexel University indicated that social norms are clearly developing around the practice. Looking at frequency of youth sexting, the study – published in the academic journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy – found that, "though many respondents [undergraduates at "a … [Read more...] about Zooming in on social norms: Youth sexting study
Facebook’s new Slingshot aimed at Snapchat
There are no lurkers in the Slingshot app. It's Facebook's latest answer to users' interest in disappearing (often called "ephemeral") media and messages. What I mean by "no lurkers" is, as my ConnectSafely co-director Larry Magid explains, unlike Snapchat and Facebook's now defunct Poke, "in order to view someone’s photo or video, you have to send one back [in Slingshot] Facebook bills the app as … [Read more...] about Facebook’s new Slingshot aimed at Snapchat
Amazon’s Fire Phone could be a hot holiday item
Now there's a phone that puts the Amazon store and all that accompanying "retail therapy" right in people's pockets. It's a pretty slick looking little device, so here's fair warning to parents worried about kids getting caught up in consumer culture that you may see this on some wish lists. [Of course, this is not to say that Amazon.com with all its convenience isn't already in our pockets (and … [Read more...] about Amazon’s Fire Phone could be a hot holiday item