Brazil: Internet use grows among children and young people

The frequency of access to internet among children and adolescents has increased, according to ICT Kids survey, released today (Oct. 10). The survey indicates that 80% of the population from 9 to 17 access the internet. Among these, the percentage of those who access it more than once a day increased from 21% in the previous survey in 2014 to 66% in the current survey, with data collected in 2015.

The increased percentage of young people who surf the internet more than once a day was even more significant for people ranging from 15 to 17 years (from 17% to 77%) and among young people in A and B classes (from 21% to 75 %). The slightest increase was  found among children and adolescents from D and E classes (from 25% to 49%).

For the survey, 6,100 face to face interviews were made with children and adolescents, and other 3,000 with parents or guardians, in 350 municipalities, between November 2015 and June 2016.

ICT Kids survey was undertaken by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, formed by representatives from the government, by businessmen, and by the scientific community, in order to improve the internet use in the country. The survey found that 23.7 million children and adolescents use the internet, and 5.9 million have no access to the internet—of those, 3.4 million have never used the internet. According to the survey, 75% of those who do not access the internet give as a reason the lack of the service where they live.

Cell phones lead connections

The cell phone is still the main internet connection device for young people under 18 years old, used by 83% of them (82% in the previous survey). The desktop computer has lost relevance. In the previous survey, it was used by 56% of young people and it is now part of the daily life of only 38% of them. The tablet was used by 32% and is currently used by 21%.

Therefore, the rate of children and adolescents who only access the internet by phone stood at 31%. The percentage reaches 41% among those living in rural areas. For young people from 15 and 17 years, 39% of them only use the internet by their cell phone.

Among the reasons for connecting to the internet, 73% of boys and 84% of girls said they access the internet for schoolwork. To send instant messages is the reason given by 77% of girls and 78% of boys.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta