Internet and social networks use habits of adolescents between ages of 10-19 in the Kyrgyz Republic

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to investigate Internet and social networks use habits and online risks of children and adolescents between the ages of 10–19 in the Kyrgyz Republic. Data were collected using questionnaires in several government schools in Bishkek during Spring 2018. Totally 316 children participated in this study. The study employed quantitative methods for the analysis of data. As results showed, there are gender differences in using the Internet. That is, Kyrgyz boys use the Internet for watching videos, and playing games more than Kyrgyz girls. Majority of the participants indicated that they preferred to use the Internet every day mostly from their private bedrooms of homes. Furthermore, a negative linear relationship was found between age and Internet usage. This implies that as the age of children increases, Internet usage decreases. Results also demonstrated that most frequent applications used are WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. While using the Internet and social networks, most of the participants indicated that they are using smartphones. While participants have basic knowledge about using the Internet, most of them lack specific capabilities. Finally, the study revealed the Kyrgyz parents’ attitudes and perceptions related to the Internet and social networks use of children and adolescents.