New survey - kids on mobile phones In November 2008 Saferinternet.at partner mobilkom austria published a new survey on kids’ mobile phone use in Austria. While parents particularly appreciate the safety and control aspect of mobiles, children perceive mobile phones as a status symbol and tool with which to organise their free time.

56% of the minors between the ages of 6 and 14 own a mobile phone in Austria. More than half of them send up to 5 text messages a day, 13% send more than 10 messages.

Half of the children report that their mobile will be taken away should it ring or if they are caught texting in class. Becoming a ubiquitous part of a child’s life, mobile phones are used for cheating as well: 36 % know somebody who has cheated and 18% have done it themselves.

17% of the children know of cases where pupils were victims of “happy slapping”, being hit whilst filmed with a mobile, and 6% have received violent movies. At Saferinternet.at we record an increasing number of requests by teachers and head teachers for advice on how to control the issue of teachers filmed in class. The study shows: 28% in the age group 13 – 14 years know of such situations.

Concerning cost, 7 out of 10 kids say that they have never been in trouble because of huge phone bills. That may be because 84% of their parents pay for its use.

The Austrian awareness node Saferinternet.at provides tips and practical information on how to use mobile phones safely, cost-effectively and responsibly on www.handywissen.at. Handywissen.at also offers a teachers’ handbook, a parents’ guide, information events and workshops.

Keywords: Saferinternet.at, Handywissen.at, Austria, survey, mobile phones