Peer-reviewed article
Internet use and risky online activities in children with developmental disorders: parental perspectives
Aylin Kurt, Aysel Kose Topan, Betül Akkoç ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study surveyed parents of 407 children with developmental disorders aged 6-17 in Turkey to understand their internet use and online safety risks. Children predominantly access the internet via mobile phones starting at an average age of 4.6 years, primarily for games, music, and videos. The study found high rates of risky online behaviours, including sharing personal photos (93.8%), revealing real names (69.8%), and disclosing neighborhood locations (46.1%). The authors conclude that parents need better support and educational programs to protect children with developmental disorders from online risks.
Key points
- 89.1% of children use mobile phones as their primary device for internet access
- Average age of first smartphone use is 4.57 years
- 93.8% of children share personal photos online; 90.6% submit personal photos
- 69.8% reveal their actual names online; 46.1% share neighborhood location information
- Children mainly use internet for games (86.5%), music (73.9%), and videos (69%)
Limitations
This is a descriptive survey relying entirely on parental reports without independent verification of children's actual online behaviours. The study describes current practices but does not measure outcomes such as actual harm experienced, or evaluate any interventions to reduce online risks.
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to identify Internet use and risky online activities in children with developmental disorders from the viewpoint of parents. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out with the parents of 407 children, aged between 6 and 17, who were receiving educational and rehabilitation support at the special education and rehabilitation centers. A questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data and information on risky online activities was used to collect data. Results: Mobile phones are the preferred device for 89.1% of children to access the Internet. The average age for starting to use a smartphone is 4.57 ± 2.10 years. Most commonly, children use the Internet for playing games (86.5%), listening to music (73.9%), and watching videos (69%). Risky online activities were noted while using the Internet, including revealing actual names (69.8%), submitting personal photos (90.6%), sharing personal photos with others (93.8%), and divulging the streets of their neighborhood (46.1%). Conclusions: Internet practices of children with developmental disorders are precarious. Thus, it is crucial for parents to assume substantial responsibility in safeguarding children with developmental disorders from risky online activities. Educational programs should be developed to raise awareness and encourage responsible use of the Internet in order to promote healthy digital literacy.