‘The internet is in the satellites!’: A systematic review of 3–15-year-olds’ conceptions about the internet

Abstract Children aged 3–15 frequently use internet-enabled technologies for leisure and educational purposes, yet they have limited knowledge about how the internet works. Literature also indicates that children possess varied often contradictory internet-related ideas, which not been systematized. This systematic review, drawing from 27 mixed-methods qualitative studies ( N = 2,214) last two decades (2002 – 2022), organizes these ideas through a thematic analysis with specific focus on age when individual child conceptions start to appear at earliest. The findings are interpreted lenses of Vygotskian framework. results highlight 60 concerning general perceptions internet, infrastructure, dataflow. understand primarily their personal experiences. Perception as online activities is dominant in younger children, but present among older ones. all groups confused what Wi-Fi really is; some equate it others ‘Wi-Fi box’ (Wi-Fi router). most knowledgeable view global network complex internal, only vaguely understood, structure. Typical reasoning internet’s structure includes satellites, central computers or towers. Only expert know distributed, server-like storage. These imply K-8 level need be familiarized gradually works, teaching them this topic may prove challenging. review highlights limitations existing literature presents suggestions future research designing technology-based curricula.