National Kids Online Survey (NKOLS)
Project Director: Rhoderick V. Nuncio
Funding Agency: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Primarily seeking to draw a demographic profile of Filipino children between the ages of 9 to 17 years with Internet access, and to define their behavior online, the NKOLS study aims to determine the prevalence of online abuse, and identify safety practices; and to define the role of parents in their children’s online use. The survey is intended to contribute to developing informed and applicable policies and programs for a safer online environment for children.
The study employs a quantitative component, in which a household survey is conducted with a multi-stage cluster sampling design. A total of 25 sites are being sampled: 15 for Luzon, 4 for the Visayas, and 6 for Mindanao. Sampling criteria require households with six months residence in a barangay and having at least one child with access to ICT.
A qualitative component is also incorporated in the study, for which three techniques are being used: one focused group discussion (FGD) workshop each for children and for parents, and key informant interviews (KIIs) to elicit critical information at the LGU level and the efforts being undertaken to protect children. The FGDs include seven special groups covering indigenous peoples, street children, children left behind by OFWs, children in conflict areas, the physically challenged (PWDs), out-of-school youth (OSYs), and the LGBT community.
Key words: Filipino children with Internet access, online behavior, online abuse, safety practices, demographic profile