Thai Kids on the web 2020: Kaspersky report shows kids’ higher interest in video and audio content

Kaspersky  announces its recent report on children’s behavior on the web over the past year and the pandemic period. Statistics gathered by Kaspersky Safe Kids, shows kids in Thailand have interested most in software, audio, video at 45.31%.

Technology is what is saving us from a complete change in the way of life in a world of a raging pandemic. It keeps the educational process going, relieves the shortage of human communication and helps us to live life as fully as possible given the isolation and social distancing. Many adults, and children too, have come to realize that the computer is not just a means of entertainment, but an important tool for education, communication and personal growth.

In 2020, children in Thailand visited websites with video and audio content (45.31%). In second place was internet communication media with 26.06% visiting the web versions of WhatsApp and Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and other sites in this category. Third place went to e-commerce websites (11.35%). But the number of interest in computer games turned out low at 9.93%.

Kaspersky’s data is based on anonymized data collected by the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN)   from users of Kaspersky Safe Kids, software solution that protects children from unwanted content on the internet, on both Windows and macOS platforms.

“The children of today started interacting with technology at an early age, and do not know a world without the Internet, computers and mobile devices. With the onset of the pandemic, their exposure and intertwinement of technology in their lives is now more so than ever - be it for learning or leisure. As they live in the age of the Internet, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide a safe space for them to learn and grow, and to protect them from exposure to negative content and vices that are rampant on the Web,” comments Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

While only a little portion, Kaspersky in 2020 still blocked some Thai kids’ attempt to visit websites related to dangerous content such as pornography (0.28%), hate and discrimination (0.05%), weapons (0.05%), internet gambling (0.04%) and drugs (0.01%).

“We will not be able to eradicate the existence of vices on the Internet, such as pornography, gambling, content around hate and discrimination and even weapon or drug use, nor can we completely prevent children from being exposed to them as they continue to grow independent. However, aside from setting in place the appropriate cyber-safety measures for our children, we can also educate them to form a healthy understanding and recognition of these vices and guide them as they start discerning their use of the Internet,” adds Yeo.

To ensure your children have positive online experiences, Kaspersky has some good tips for the parents:

• Spend more time communicating with your children about online safety measures. Tell your children what must not, under any circumstances, be published on the Internet and why.
• Surf and learn together.  See where they spend their time online and explore how to best keep them safe.  Also spending time to play online games, so you can learn from each other.
• Explain that all the sensitive information can be shared only via messengers and only with people you know in real life.

• Learn more about your children's interests. Kaspersky Safe Kids can provide you with regular reports on what makes their day. The app analyses your children's online search activity and manages screen time without encroaching on their personal space