Growing online

Project Type: Research

Duration: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2028

Project Manager: Anna Brosch, PhD, Institute of Pedagogy

Since 2012, Dr. Anna Watoła and Dr. Anna Brosch from the Faculty of Social Sciences have been conducting systematic research in Africa (in several regions of Kenya and parts of Tanzania) on the use of new technologies in the educational process. To enable the research in individual schools, the researchers created appropriate educational conditions by providing school supplies, electronic equipment, and software (laptops, educational programs, etc.).

As part of their research, the scientists established academic collaborations with four Kenyan universities, participating in various projects that contribute to the academic development of both lecturers and students.

In 2024, Dr. Anna Brosch received a grant under the Horizon Europe Programme, MSCA Staff Exchanges, for the implementation of the project: Growing online – how to protect our children in the digital world? – GUARDIAN.

Since January 1, 2025, project tasks have been underway, with Dr. Anna Brosch as the project manager and Dr. Anna Watoła as the scientific quality assurance and risk monitoring manager.

The main goal of the project is to examine the scope and dimensions of sharenting in Europe and East Africa, in order to provide guidance and recommendations on the measures needed to respect and protect children’s rights in the digital world.

Digital technologies have become an important part of children’s daily lives, regardless of cultural or geographical context. This is often due to parents who frequently share information about their children online. Social media can now be considered a “modern child’s photo album,” where parents post pictures of their children. Often, children are unaware that they have become social media stars thanks to their parents. This behavior, known as sharenting, is becoming increasingly common worldwide, exposing children to risks such as:

– Loss of privacy

– Identity theft

– Exploitation

– Cyberbullying and harassment

The GUARDIAN project will also promote children’s rights and raise public awareness about the threats and challenges children face in the digital environment.

The project’s objectives will be achieved through staff exchanges within a consortium of five academic institutions from four countries:

– University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)

– Pwani University (Kenya)

– The Polish University Abroad in London (United Kingdom)

– Palacký University Olomouc (Czech Republic)

– University of Szczecin (Poland)

This will enable comparative analysis, taking into account variables such as country specifics, internet access, law enforcement regarding children, gender, age, socio-economic status, and the type of content shared. This will help better understand the diverse ways information about children is shared online.

In addition to research tasks, the project aims to facilitate knowledge transfer among participants. Participation in training and workshops, as well as joint research, will contribute to acquiring new skills and professional qualifications. Participants will share knowledge on cultural diversity, data collection and analysis, and modern research techniques. They will also gain new communication and analytical skills, knowledge management abilities, teamwork experience, and insights into ethical aspects of research work.

Programme: Horizon Europe, MSCA Staff Exchanges

Grant Agreement No.: 101182798

Planned Implementation Period: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2028

Role of the University of Silesia in the Project: Coordinator

Project Manager at the University of Silesia: Dr. Anna Brosch

Scientific Quality Assurance and Risk Monitoring Manager: Dr. Anna Watoła

Implementing Unit: Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Pedagogy

Grant Value:

– EU – €547,400

– UKRI – €128,800 (United Kingdom)

– MNiSW – PLN 350,586