Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1510271
11 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2023 FUNDACIÓN MAPFRE has published a study on the use of internet amongst 13 to 16 year- olds in Malta and Gozo. This study presents the find- ings of a quantitative research study that focused on gauging online and offline routines, ev- idence of problematic Internet use, and the use of Internet by 13 to 16 year-olds in Malta and Gozo in the wake of the COV- ID-19 pandemic. This study formed part of the broader Logging Off 2022-2023 initiative commissioned and funded by Fundación MAP- FRE. Data collection took place between April and June 2023, using a quantitative question- naire. A total of 245 youths of ages 13 to 16 years participated in this study which was carried out by sociologist Dr Maria Brown, on behalf of Fundación MAPFRE, a non-pro t founda- tion, founded in Spain in 1975.. Fundación MAPFRE does not have commercial interests. Its goal is to contribute to the welfare of citizens and soci- ety. More information about Fundación MAPFRE can be ac- cessed here: https://www.fun- dacionmapfre.org Most respondents admitted to spending more time online than planned on a regular ba- sis, and that being online makes them forget to do things they need to do. Around two thirds of the respondents stated they always, often, or sometimes be- come irritable, nervous, or in a bad mood when they must stop time online. A very small minority strongly agreed to assessing their online communication skills as better than their in-person commu- nication skills. However, less than half of the respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with assessing their online communication skills as better than their in-person communi- cation skills. The largest share of responses (one third) expressed neutral views about this. Compared to when COVID-19 restrictions were in place, most respond- ents stated their time online decreased. However, more than one-third stated it remained the same or that it increased. The study showed these are generalised experiences among 13-16-years old participating in this study, because further testing revealed no significant difference between respond- ents of different genders, age cohorts, hailing from different regions and household set- tings, and attending different types of schools. The largest share of respons- es flagged an increase of time online at the time of this study compared to time online in pre-pandemic times. Notably, further scrutiny revealed such increase prevailed among fe- males in a statistically signifi- cant manner. Additionally, among those who tried reducing time online but did not manage, females were more prevalent. Not- withstanding, the study yield- ed some evidence of logging off routines within the cohort under study; Indeed, logging off emerged as being more part of the routine of 13-16-year- sold living with more than one adult, particularly when other siblings are involved. Living with two guardians and siblings also impacted disagreement with prefer- ring online communication to in-person communication in a statistically significant manner. The full study can be viewed on https://www.mapfre.com. mt/health-promotion/ 13 to 16 year-olds spend more time online than planned - study Around two thirds of the respondents stated they always, often, or sometimes become irritable, nervous, or in a bad mood when they must stop time online