Engl. transl.: Media convergence, risk and harm to children online

Mobile media such as smartphones and tablets allow children to have more flexible and personalized habits, and create new opportunities for private use within the home, school and public spaces. The project known as Net Children Go Mobile, in which Denmark, Italy, United Kingdom, Romania, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal and Spain have participated, is focused on the analysis of this new reality and its possible consequences for children. This study presents the most significant results of this project in Spain, based on a survey of 500 Spanish children between the ages of 9 and 16, and either their father or their mother. One of the major findings is that online risk does not necessarily lead to harm, as indicated by the children themselves. In fact, the research project entitled EU Kids Online showed that children who face the highest number of online risks are not necessarily the ones who suffer the most harmful consequences; on the contrary, they are usually the ones who have greater skills and develop more resilience.

Findings suggest that children highly value the role of fathers, mothers, and their peers when they need help online to cope with risks. Garitaonandia et al. (2019) suggest that these individuals should therefore be highly considered in regulatory initiatives. On the other hand, 18% of children say they would not turn to anyone if they encountered unpleasant experiences on the Internet. The authors stress out that "when designing action policies in this regard, authorities should ensure that all children find the necessary social support, whatever type it may be" (Garitaonandia et al., 2019: 197). Regarding parents' awareness of online risks results show that there is a growing awareness of online risk among parents and children that is manifested in greater involvement by parents in mediating children’s safety online, helping children to develop defensive skills, and adopting preventive measures. On the other hand exposure to online risk has increased in recent years, especially among Spanish children who use mobile phones and tablets to navigate the Internet. Nonetheless, the authors point out that "the increase in those who have suffered harm as a result of risky experiences has not increased in the same proportion" (Garitaonandia et al., 2019: 197). Regarding specific risks exposure (or harm), cyberbullying and bullying continues to be the risk that causes more harm to those who suffer it, specifically face to face bullying. The authors, remark the importance of parental mediation as a tool to help children to cope and overcome online risks and to avoid harmful situations. Nonetheless, Garitaonandia et al. (2019: 197) remark that "in nearly all of the groups observed, there are shortcomings in this area, and in many cases it is due to the low digital literacy of the parents". The authors conclude that "despite the fact that minors are more aware of the dangers associated with cyberbullying and other potentially conflictive situations, there is still a need to promote safer and more responsible use of mobile communication" (Garitaonandia et al., 2019: 197) [Translated by the coder]