Frequently Asked Questions
Will my name and other details be kept confidential?
Yes. There is no way that anyone, including the people conducting the survey would know who you are.
Can my parents or anyone else read my answers?
No. Unless you show them your answers or you share your answers with them, no one can find out how you answered the survey.
Who is conducting this survey?
Dr Mubarak is a teacher and researcher in social work at Flinders University. Mubarak has conducted surveys about adolescent safety within internet chat rooms in the past and has spent many years researching this area.
Should I still do the survey if don’t have any bad experience or I’ve had not taken any risk while using the internet?
Yes. We’re interested not just the risks you have taken in the internet but also the related aspects such as who has been providing you the guidance in proper use of internet and what kind of support will help you to use the computer safely in future.
What if I am not a regular user of internet?
You need not to be a regular user of the internet to take part in this survey. If you have used the internet within the past 15 days you are eligible to take part in this survey.
Will people taking part in these kinds of surveys tell the truth?
A lot of people assume that because identities of the participants of these surveys are not known they can say anything in response to a survey. Some people would rather lie than tell the truth. However, the interesting thing is that studies have found that while a small number of respondents don’t admit to things they’ve done, and another small number will make up things they’ve done, most of us tell the truth most of the time.
Aren’t teenagers more likely to lie in a survey about risks they take in internet?
When it come to sensitive subjects like behaviour in the internet, people are more likely to tell the truth in an anonymous survey than the other types of surveys. Especially for teenagers, an anonymous survey provides the safest opportunity to share their experiences that might not be okay to share with either their friends or their parents.
Can I contact the author of the survey directly?
Yes. Everyone including the teenagers, parents, teachers and anyone else would like to contact Dr.Mubarak directly by writing an email to: mubarak@flinders.edu.au.
Can I do the survey if I’m nearly 12 (or just turned around 18)?
Yes. As long as you put your real age in the blank space provided, what you have to say is important to us. If you’re about to become a teenager, or you’ve only recent been one, you’ll still have a lot to say that will help us understand what teens are thinking and doing in the internet these days.
How long does it take to do the survey?
It can take anywhere from ten or fifteen minutes to complete this survey. Because some are simple yes/no/don’t know questions, but others ask you to tell your stories or give your opinions, the length of time it takes you to do the survey on how much you want to say.
Where can I receive professional help and guidance regarding the safe use of internet?
Here are a few organisations that provide professional help and guidance in Internet safety for young people.
NetAlert
Australian Government service providing information and resources from their website or on free call 1800 880 176.Cyber smart kids online
Australian communications and media authority – Australian Governmente-Safety
A joint venture by the South Australian Police, Department of Education and Children’s Services, Association of Independent Schools of SA, Catholic Education South Australia, CanDo4Kids Townsend House, School Care and Public Libraries of South Australia.
