Making Dutch pupils media conscious: preadolescents' self-assessment of possible media risks and the need for media education

Despite clear European and Dutch policies about media education, there is currently no media education curriculum in Dutch schools. A survey among preadolescents (n = 257) in six primary schools in the Netherlands included questions regarding media access, fears, risks, parental mediation of television and the internet, and the need for media education. Findings indicate an overall high saturation of media, but media choice depends on sociodemographic factors. Preadolescents are given rules for using the internet more often than for TV. Boys feel more confident about media use, and few participants report negative experiences or perceive risks while using the internet. Pupils feel a high need for media education, and those who are already thinking critically about media demand lessons more often. Therefore, both technical knowledge about media and critical awareness of the influence of media must be taught.