Latvian Academy of Culture joins the international research network on children's digital experiences “EU Kids Online”
From 2025, the Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies of the Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC IACS) has become the Latvian representative in the international research network “EU Kids Online”, which brings together academic partners from more than 30 European countries. The network is led by the University of Oslo (Prof. Elisabeth Staksrud) and aims to explore digital environment experiences of children and adolescents (aged 9–16) - both the opportunities it offers and the risks it entails. The project is coordinated by Gints Klāsons, research project manager of the LAC IACS.
The “EU Kids Online” research serves as an important source of information for policymakers, educators, parents, and other stakeholders, contributing to the protection of children's rights and well-being in the digital age. The network conducts comparative studies
across Europe, analysing children's digital habits and developing recommendations for safe, responsible, and meaningful internet use.
LAC IACS is involved in two research areas:
1. A qualitative study on children’s and adolescents’ experiences with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
This study is led by the “Digital Futures for Children” research centre at the London School of Economics, in collaboration with the “5Rights Foundation”. The aim is to understand how children and young people use generative AI tools (such as chatbots, image or video generators), and how this affects their rights, safety, and everyday experiences in the digital environment.
2. A quantitative study on children’s online experiences at the European level.
This study continues previous “EU Kids Online” research (2011, 2018) and will involve a representative survey of children aged 9 to 16 across Europe. It includes questions about internet usage habits, devices, platforms used, digital skills, online risks, exposure to harmful content, as well as safety strategies and adult support. In Latvia data collection will take place in the autumn of 2025. The study is led by Gints Klāsons. Fieldwork coordinator - Laura Brutāne.
Dr. Guna Spurava, a researcher from Tampere University in Finland, is also involved in both research activities as an international consultant.
More about the EU Kids Online network and its research: www.eukidsonline.net