Young Canadians are more connected than ever, and at a surprisingly early age. The second phase of the Young Canadians in a Wired World (YCWW) research project reveals that an astonishing 94 percent of young people access the Internet from home, with students as early as Grade 4 beginning to rely on the Internet to explore social roles, stay connected with friends and develop their social networks.

While young people’s online experiences are generally positive, Phase II findings confirm that hazards still exist for young people online, but that an increase in parental involvement has positive impacts.

The most comprehensive and wide-ranging study of its kind in Canada, the YCWW Phase II research project was initiated in 2003 with focus groups of parents and children and youth aged 11 to 17. These were followed up in 2005 with a national student survey, conducted by ERIN Research, in classrooms that had participated in the 2001 Phase I study. The survey of more than 5,200 children and youth from Grades 4 to 11 across the country furthers our understanding of how the online activities, behaviours and attitudes of young Canadians have evolved since 2001.

Phase II research includes current trends and recommendations and provides a call to action for parents, educators, and others working with youth to address the challenges and rich opportunities afforded by media to its youngest users.

Key Findings

Trends and Recommendations

Student Survey Report (2005)

Focus Groups Report (2004)

Young Canadians in a Wired World – Phase II project was made possible by financial contributions from Industry Canada's SchoolNet Program and CANARIE.

Young Canadians in a Wired World – Phase II, Trends and Recommendations report was prepared by Valerie Steeves, PhD.

ERIN Research Inc. assisted in the development of the student questionnaire, conducted the student survey and data analysis, and prepared the Young Canadians in a Wired World – Phase II, Student Survey report. < www.erinresearch.com >

Young Canadians in a Wired World – Phase II, Focus Groups report was prepared by Environics Research Group.