Is big brother more at risk than little sister? The sibling factor in online risk and opportunity
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Sage Publications
School
School of Arts and Humanities
RAS ID
25927
Funders
Australian Research Council
Grant Number
ARC Number : DP110100864
Abstract
This article uses data from the 25,142-child study EU Kids Online to investigate the impact of sibling status on a child’s experience of online risk and opportunities. In general, the effects associated with having a sibling appear to be comparatively small. The presence of older siblings slightly increases use and skills, while younger siblings are associated with slight reductions. These dynamics are particularly visible in the use of social networking sites. Older siblings have the effect of increasing the range and number of online activities pursued by their younger siblings. Patterns around concerning exposure to risk and possible harm are not straightforward but younger children with an older sibling are not at an increased risk. Where younger aged children have even younger siblings, this is associated with a slight reduction in risk, whereas older-aged children with a younger sibling, and only children, appear to experience slight increases in risk.
DOI
10.1177/1461444817691531
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
Ólafsson, K., Green, L., & Staksrud, E. (2017). Is big brother more at risk than little sister? The sibling factor in online risk and opportunity. New Media & Society. 20(4), 1360-1379. doi:10.1177/1461444817691531
Available here.