IntroductionInternet provides wide opportunities not only for development, but also for developmental risks including information about drug consumption, advocacy for weight loss and suicide (Livingstone et al., 2011).
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare user activity and online risks in Russian adolescents and parents according to three population studies, 2010, 2013, and 2019.
MethodsUsing EU Kids Online methodology (Livingstone et al., 2011), the data of 1219 parents of adolescents 12-17 years old and 1553 adolescents 12-17 years old from 15 regions of Russia in 2019 were compared with the data of 1203 adolescents 12-17 years old and 1209 parents in 2013, as well as the answers of 685 couples “parent - teenager 12-16 years old” in 2010.
ResultsCompared to 2010, in 2019 adolescents are more frequently disappointed or worried about something online (41.5% versus 33.6%, χ2=12.44, p<.01, CC=.07). Contemporary adolescents rarer report having seen sexual images (χ2=339,48, p<0,01, CC=0,36) online but more frequently report having seen rude actions online (χ2=69,93, p<0,01, CC=0,16). They more frequently see information about drugs and suicides (χ2=37,11, p<0,01, CC=0,12 и χ2=85,04, p<0,01, CC=0,17, respectively) and report an experience of cyberaggression (χ2=80,85, p<0,01, CC=0,19) and fraud (χ2=17,75, p<0,01, CC=0,09).
ConclusionsIn Russian sample online risks in adolescents closely related to mental health and risky behavior in 2010-2019 increase suggesting necessity of social programs of risk prevention. Study is supported by Russian science Foundation, project 18-18-00365.