More Pinoy kids surf the net for streaming than for online messaging — study

Latest online trends show that more Filipino children are using the internet for video and audio streaming than for online messaging, according to a report.

Kaspersky Safe Kids' findings this year revealed that this pattern is prevalent in Southeast Asia.

It showed that the number of Filipino children accessing software, audio, and video websites rose from the previous year's 25.41% to 49.12%.

Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam also had double-digit growth in the said online interests.

Further, the report showed that more children in the region are also using the internet for electronic commerce, which covers online shopping.

This year, 13.1% of Filipino children used the internet for e-commerce compared to
just 2.39% in 2018.

The report also noted that children in Asia who are trying to access adult content online, including pornographic ones, have decreased from 2.72% in 2018 to 2.26% this year.

“It is encouraging to see that fewer children are interested in online adult content in the region. We credit the steps being done by SEA governments to block easy access to such sites," said Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

Amid this trend, parents were warned to monitor their children's online activities better and protect them against malware, virus, dangerous content, and fake sellers.

“It is an accepted fact that our children are better internet navigators than us, adults. With their curiosity and quickness in grasping or even making their own online trends, it is undoubtedly important for parents to know their interests and habits," Yeo said.

"We hope these findings could help parents in understanding their kids better and in protecting them against the potential dangers in the digital world,” he added. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News