Youngsters are not asking permission before posting, a study released to mark Safer Internet Day has revealed
Young Scots are struggling to embrace the principles of online consent, research has shown.
To mark Safer Internet Day 2019 young people across the UK, are joining celebrities, industry figures, schools, businesses and police services to inspire people to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.
New research commissioned by the UK Safer Internet Centre reveals how sharing and viewing content is integral to the lives of young people in Scotland, and the positives and challenges that come with this.
Young people in Scotland are not asking permission before posting, despite 87% knowing when and how to ask. Consequently, in the last year 58% of those questioned said someone they know shared a photo or video of them without asking.
This breach of consent can leave young people feeling anxious or not in control (33%), with a lack of clarity clearly having a real impact on their lives.
Will Gardner OBE, director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “It is vital that we – from an individual to an industry level – take responsibility to support young people to navigate consent online and put their positive attitudes into action. We must move beyond advising them only on what they should do online, and work with them to understand how to do this in practice.
“In doing so, we can empower young people, and those that support them, to be better able to harness and use the positive power of the internet for good.”
In an increasingly digitised world, 66% of respondents said they would feel disconnected from the world if they couldn’t be online. Helping them to make sense of their daily lives and wider society, 74% of young people say being online helps them understand what’s happening in the world and 66% only know about certain issues or news because of the internet.
With technology enabling us to connect and learn faster than ever, 48% of respondents said being online makes them feel like their voices and actions matter. Maximising on the collective power of the internet, 43% have been inspired to take positive action by sharing support for a campaign, social movement or petition.
However, the myriad of ways in which young people in Scotland connect online means they must also navigate the complexities of asking for and giving permission before sharing. An overwhelming 92% believed everyone has a responsibility to respect others. However, in practice nearly half (48%) admit their peers don’t always think before they post. The research also found that 42% of young people share screenshots of other peoples’ photos, comments or messages at least weekly.
Over half of young people (57%) think their friends should ask for permission before tagging them or sharing a photo or video of them, while 42% think their parents should ask. Furthermore, almost one in five are likely to read a friend’s messages without their permission.
Even when permission is sought, young people in Scotland are facing further pressures. Despite feeling confident telling their friends (87%) and parents (89%) not to share something about them online, in practice it can be difficult to say no. In the last year, 32% have said yes to something about them being shared online, even though they didn’t want it to be.
The rules are also confused when consent is breached. Whilst the majority of young people would always remove something they’d posted about a friend if asked to, 30% would not.
Maree Todd, Minister for Children and Young People, will be delivering a speech to young people today at Newbattle High School in Dalkeith.
She said: “The internet is becoming increasingly central to our lives and especially the lives of our children and young people. It connects and empowers us, and it is important that we ensure that children and young people are able to enjoy the internet, show resilience and take advantage of the many opportunities it has to offer in a way that is safe and supported.
“That is why we are delighted to work with the UK Safer Internet Centre to raise awareness and promote Safer Internet Day in Scotland. This year’s theme looks at understanding how consent works in a digital world and reminds us of the importance of understanding healthy, respectful, consensual and safe relationships and that we all have a responsibility to respect each other’s privacy and consent.”
