CHENNAI: A global report on ‘Children in a digital world’ by UNICEF that called for access to digital space for all children, cutting across borders and barriers, was released at Stella Maris College on Monday.
According to the report, youth (ages 15-24) are the most connected age group although in some countries, children below 15 were as likely to use the internet as adults over 25. African youth, for instance were least connected with around 60% not online, compared with only 4 % in Europe. “Digital divides also mirror prevailing economic gaps, amplifying the advantages of children from wealthier backgrounds and failing to deliver opportunities to the poorest,” the report stated as one of its key messages.
Speaking on gender gap, as the report suggested 12% more men than women use internet, MP Nirmala, chairperson, Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said, “Equity in digital space is critical. However, access to internet is still dominated by male users. As Chennai is an IT hub, Tamil Nadu can demonstrate a model on equitable access to internet in India.”
While connectivity could potentially prove to be a game changer for disadvantaged children, millions of children who stand to benefit from digital technology are missing out, found the report. It touched upon the dark side of the web to. The report suggested a ‘Goldilocks’ approach to the time spent by children online, “focusing more on what children are doing online and less on how long they are online.”
Job Zachariah, Chief of UNICEF office for Tamil Nadu & Kerala, said, “Internet and mobiles are windows of learning and education for children. We should not shut off these windows, but instead should protect children from the harms.” To reiterate the importance of cyber safety, magician and UNICEF celebrity advocate Gopinath Muthukad, drove his points home with magic tricks.