Better Internet for Kids

To monitor developments in ICT use and the associated risks, this report documents the observations and results of various surveys conducted by the BEE SECURE initiative during the 2023–2024 school year. It particularly includes feedback from children, adolescents, parents, teachers, and educational staff on various issues related to the safe and responsible use of the internet.

The BEE SECURE Radar highlights the following trends:

Most popular social networks

According to a survey of over 14,000 students aged 8 to 18, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Instagram remain the most popular apps in this age group. The trends are nearly unchanged compared to the previous year:

• For primary school: WhatsApp (53 per cent), Snapchat (37 per cent), and TikTok (22 per cent);
• For secondary school: Snapchat (74 per cent), WhatsApp (67 per cent), and Instagram (47 per cent).

Screen time

Almost all respondents, regardless of the category, are aware of the screen time display function on smartphones. Many struggle to set boundaries for themselves when using their smartphones. Around 50 to 70 per cent of the surveyed youth reported using their phones several times per hour. Most respondents—including the youth themselves—believe that young people use their smartphones too often:

• 54 per cent of 12- to-16-year-olds;
• 79 per cent of 17- to-30-year-olds;
• 90 per cent of teaching staff.

Excessive smartphone use remains the main concern for parents and educators.

Focus areas: Screen time, disinformation, cyberbullying, and sexual content

Adults – especially parents and caregivers, teachers and educators, and young adults aged 17 to 30 – mainly express concerns about screen time, disinformation, age-inappropriate content, data privacy, influencers, and cyberbullying. Among 12- to-16-year-olds, cyberbullyingand sexual content are the most commonly mentioned concerns. Most parents and young adults aged 18 and over agree that access to inappropriate content for those under 18 should be subject to age verification. Even among 12- to-17-year-olds, a majority somewhat (37 per cent) or strongly (32 per cent) agree.

Sextortion and cybercrime as most frequent topics at the BEE SECURE helpline

Of the 72 calls in the “children and youth” category, sextortion (blackmail using nude images) was once again the most frequently reported issue by young people at the BEE SECURE Helpline. Cybercrime (including fraud, hacking, and phishing) was the second most frequently mentioned topic by youth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is seen ambivalently

For the first time, the BEE SECURE Radar survey addressed artificial intelligence (AI) to capture how it is perceived by youth and adults. The findings show that AI is perceived ambivalently—as an opportunity, a risk, or a mix of both. When considering its impact on themselves, most people view AI more as an opportunity than a risk. However, when thinking about its impact on society overall, people tend to perceive it more as a risk.

Information management: media literacy is essential

A new focus this year was placed on questions about information, sources of information, and credibility. The “Zentrum fir politesch Bildung” (ZpB – Centre for Political Education) analysed the answers related to sources and verification of information. Based on this analysis, they provide recommendations on topics that should be prioritized in media education. Overall, it becomes clear that media literacy remains essential across all age groups.

Download the publication BEE SECURE Radar on the website.

Find more information about the work of the Luxembourgish Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.