The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today published a study that explored the social networking habits of young people in SA.
The study is based on a questionnaire sent to a portion of social network MXit's over 44 million users, and 25 876 South African youths took part. It is the first research project undertaken of the platform by UNICEF.
The survey was conducted by UNICEF in partnership with the Berkman Centre for Internet and Society at Harvard University, MXit, and the University of Cape Town (UCT).
It is a component of a global campaign undertaken by UNICEF to raise awareness around the optimal and safe use of ICTs, entitled the Digital Citizenship and Safety Project. The project seeks to assess the impact ICTs are having on children's experiences and how widespread ICT-access is affecting their lifestyle.
Children's platform
It revealed that 30% of MXit users admitted to spending most of their after-school time socialising on the platform.
"The rise of the mobile Internet in SA means that more people, especially youth, are using social networks as key tools in their identity formation. This timely report provides an important piece of the puzzle to understanding the formation of mobile youth cultures; and exploring the role that cellphone applications play in the lives of young South Africans," says Tanja Bosch, senior lecturer in the Centre for Film and Media Studies at UCT.
Africa is the world's fastest growing market for mobile communications, and access to information technology is essential for economic, social, cultural and political development in today's world, according to UNICEF.
It adds that mobile technology, the Internet and social networks can make vital information more accessible to children, and can create platforms for discussion and participation on matters that affect them.
Avoiding strangers
“UNICEF believes that ICTs have the potential to empower children and young people, particularly in the developing world, but access should be accompanied by education and regulation to ensure that children's safety is not compromised.
The UNICEF MXit study revealed that 75% of respondents talk to strangers at least once a week, while 42% do so every day.
When asked what they do most at home, 30% said they chat on MXit - and 68% indicated they most often talk to family and friends.
However, UNICEF says the high frequency with which MXit users are interacting with strangers, highlights the need for parents, organisations working with children and peer-groups to engage with young people about the potential risks of the digital world and how to avoid them.
“Children are incredibly adept at figuring out new technologies. And while they may have technical knowledge, they are not always aware of some of the implications of using the technology. UNICEF is committed to ensuring that young people not only benefit from innovation, but they are safe from anyone seeking to exploit them through these platforms,” says Aida Girma, UNICEF SA representative.
The organisation also says social media and mobile phones have made young people vulnerable to new means of bullying or victimisation. The survey found that 26% of those answering had been insulted or experienced some form of “cyber-bullying”. Race, location and gender emerged as the most common reasons for insult.
The study also hints at a continuing regional disparity in access to mobile Internet in SA, according to UNICEF.
“Around 90% of respondents identified themselves as 'urban'. While mobile penetration in SA is the highest on the continent and the mobile phone is increasingly most people's connection to the Internet, the survey data suggests that youth in rural areas are not benefitting from the wealth of information and services Internet access brings as much as their urban peers.”
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