Analysis of Gender Differences in Internet Use of Children: Evidence from Turkey

Abstract

<p>In this study, factors in Internet use of female and male children in Turkey were determined with probit regression model by using micro data set in Household Information Technologies Usage Research of 2013 carried out by Turkish Statistical Institute. Dependent variable of the study is two category variable, namely Internet use and non-use of female and male children. Independent variables are socio-economic and demographic variables. According to chi-square analysis, there is a relation between Internet use of female and male children and socio-economic and demographic characteristics. According to probit regression analysis results, for female children, region, educational status, having computer or mobile phone on their own, frequency of watching TV, watching movie, series; floor show, music, game show; watching educational programs such as documentaries, culture, art, reading newspaper and journal in printed media, using mobile phone and frequency of using computer are variables effective in Internet use. Region, rural-urban difference, age, being literate, educational status, having mobile phone or game console on their own, watching entertainment, music, competition programs, reading newspaper and journal in printed media, using mobile phone and, frequency of using computer are variables effective in Internet use among male children. Frequency of using computer is the most effective variable in Internet use and it is more effective among female children compared to male children.</p>