This pilot study carried out by the National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI) and Verian examines the online media habits, platform engagement, and digital safety perspectives of 12–13-year-old sixth grade children across Finland.
Findings reveal that social media use, video watching, and music streaming are nearly universal among young adolescents, with WhatsApp, YouTube, Spotify, Snapchat, and TikTok being the most frequently used platforms. The survey found gender-based differences in digital activities, with boys engaging more with gaming and AI tools, while girls use social media and streaming services more frequently.
Additionally, the study highlights children's perspectives on smartphone restrictions at school and adult device use.
Methodology
This pilot study tested research methodologies for ongoing data collection on media literacy and under-15 digital safety. A teacher-led online questionnaire was administered during school hours between to 311 students across participating schools.
Country or region of researched population
Finland
Citation
National Audiovisual Institute, & Verian. (2025). Children and Youth Media Survey 2025. Medialukutaito Suomessa / Finnish Safer Internet Centre. https://medialukutaitosuomessa.fi/wp-content/uploads/Children_and_Youth_Media_Survey_Kavi_Verian_2025.pdf
Record created:
28 July 2026
This pilot study carried out by the National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI) and Verian examines the online media habits, platform engagement, and digital safety perspectives of 12–13-year-old sixth grade children across Finland.
Findings reveal that social media use, video watching, and music streaming are nearly universal among young adolescents, with WhatsApp, YouTube, Spotify, Snapchat, and TikTok being the most frequently used platforms. The survey found gender-based differences in digital activities, with boys engaging more with gaming and AI tools, while girls use social media and streaming services more frequently.
Additionally, the study highlights children's perspectives on smartphone restrictions at school and adult device use.
Methodology
This pilot study tested research methodologies for ongoing data collection on media literacy and under-15 digital safety. A teacher-led online questionnaire was administered during school hours between to 311 students across participating schools.
Country or region of researched population
Finland
Citation
National Audiovisual Institute, & Verian. (2025). Children and Youth Media Survey 2025. Medialukutaito Suomessa / Finnish Safer Internet Centre. https://medialukutaitosuomessa.fi/wp-content/uploads/Children_and_Youth_Media_Survey_Kavi_Verian_2025.pdf
Record created:
28 July 2026- media literacy media education social media
