Scope and Methodology of the Study
This survey was prepared to determine young people's digital platform usage habits, the risks they encounter in digital environments, and their needs for safe participation. The same survey form was administered in three countries. Data collection was carried out between January 5–16, 2026.
The research was conducted through local fieldwork in Turkey and Italy; and through a local validation approach supported by national data in Austria. The surveys were administered anonymously, and no personal data was collected.
Sample Distribution
A total of 134 young people participated in the survey.
Turkey: 54 participants
(Şehit Yasin Kendircioğlu Middle School and Knowledge and Skills Group)
Italy: 52 participants
(Cultura&Armonia)
Austria: 28 participants
(LoveUnity – mini validation)
The ages of the participants ranged from 14–22. The overall average age was approximately 17.
Digital Platform Usage
The vast majority of participants actively use more than one digital platform.
WhatsApp: Used regularly by approximately 85% of participants
Instagram: Approximately 75%
TikTok: Approximately 70%
Snapchat: Approximately 65%
YouTube: Approximately 80%
Significantly, approximately 40% of participants stated that they actively use Microsoft Teams. Teams usage is particularly prominent in school-based communication and in-class group interactions. In the Austrian and Turkish samples, Teams was also used for social communication purposes.
Frequency of Use
A significant portion of participants use digital platforms daily:
Daily usage rates for WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok are over 60%.
Approximately 30% of Microsoft Teams users stated that they use the platform every day, while 40% use it several times a week.
This finding indicates that school-based digital tools have become part of young people's daily digital routines.
Risks Encountered in Digital Environments
A significant portion of participants reported experiencing at least one risk in digital environments within the last three months:
Cyberbullying/exclusion: approximately 32%
Encountering false or misleading information: approximately 48%
Inappropriate content: approximately 29%
Account security issues: approximately 18%
WhatsApp groups and Instagram were the platforms where cyberbullying incidents were most frequently reported. While risks reported on Microsoft Teams were more limited, exclusionary behavior, particularly in class groups, was highlighted.
Perception of Digital Security
Participants were asked to rate how safe they felt in digital environments on a scale of 1–5.
Average perception of security: 3.1 / 5
Approximately 45% of participants stated that they felt safer on school-based platforms (e.g., Teams, Classroom), while 35% found messaging applications (WhatsApp) to be safer. Social media platforms have emerged as areas with the lowest perceived trust.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools
Approximately 72% of participants stated that they have used AI-based chat tools such as ChatGPT at least once. Usage is particularly common among the 15-17 age group. AI tools are most frequently used for homework preparation, information searching, and content creation.
Prioritized Needs
The top three topics in response to the question, "What support is needed in this project?", were:
Digital security and privacy (account protection, data security)
Dealing with misinformation and media literacy
Dealing with cyberbullying and respectful digital communication
In addition, a significant portion of participants indicated openness to international collaboration on creative digital content production (video, podcast, digital campaign).
Overall Assessment
The survey results reveal that young people are extremely active in digital environments; however, the need for support regarding safe participation, critical media use, and digital ethics continues. The transformation of school-based digital tools into a space for social communication is creating new opportunities and new responsibilities for youth work.
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