Risks Associated With Posting Content on the Social Media

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the risk actions carried out by children and teens in relation to what they post and share on social networking sites and instant messaging services. The research was conducted in accordance with a descriptive and exploratory methodology, using a 39-item questionnaire with a Likert-type response scale. The study analyzes a wide range of actions carried out on mobile devices by 856 children and teens aged between 9 and 17 years. The results reveal statistical differences in age and gender, with girls engaging in more risk actions that do not involve an express desire to harm other people. Snapchat is the most commonly-used app for inappropriate actions linked to the posting of content online. In conclusion, educational interventions must be improved in order to increase children's safety and level of digital competence