Health
Surfing the 'Net Won't Necessarily Lead to Isolation
Doomsayers warn of isolation, violent tendencies and mental atrophy from too much Internet surfing. Will teens be corrupted by adult sites? Will preschoolers prefer passive monitor-gazing over real-life interaction? A recent study says that in many cases, parents can expect just the opposite.
The Safe and Smart study on children's use of the Internet found that fears attributed to kids surfing the Web are being replaced by reassurances. Judicious, guided use of cyberspace appears to have significantly positive effects on relationships and education.
The Dieringer Research Group, Children's Television Workshop, the National School Boards Foundation and Microsoft Corporation worked with 1,735 households to study the issue. Researchers asked parents, teen-agers and younger children about the role of the Internet in their lives. Educators were asked how the Internet is used in the classroom to enhance learning.
Perhaps taking a cue from the mistakes of earlier generations and their use of television, baby boomers don't view the Internet as a baby sitter. Instead, adults and children are navigating the Web together, discussing expectations and limitations, and using the Internet as a springboard for discussions, schoolwork and increased interaction.
Susan Royer, vice president, director of research strategy for The Children's Television Workshop, tells ThirdAge News that computers have brought more than just word processing to the family. "Thirty years ago when we were young, people thought of television as junk food for children," says Royer. "We're further ahead in that learning curve when it comes to the Internet. Parents believe the Internet can educate children and they have faith in their ability to help that happen. The challenge, of course, is to live up to that belief but the attitude is positive and constructive toward making this happen."
The Safe and Smart study explains why parents and children value their Internet experiences. It also offers tips on how to reap the benefits and avoid the pitfalls of this pioneering medium.
The Safe and Smart study on children's use of the Internet found that fears attributed to kids surfing the Web are being replaced by reassurances. Judicious, guided use of cyberspace appears to have significantly positive effects on relationships and education.
The Dieringer Research Group, Children's Television Workshop, the National School Boards Foundation and Microsoft Corporation worked with 1,735 households to study the issue. Researchers asked parents, teen-agers and younger children about the role of the Internet in their lives. Educators were asked how the Internet is used in the classroom to enhance learning.
Perhaps taking a cue from the mistakes of earlier generations and their use of television, baby boomers don't view the Internet as a baby sitter. Instead, adults and children are navigating the Web together, discussing expectations and limitations, and using the Internet as a springboard for discussions, schoolwork and increased interaction.
Susan Royer, vice president, director of research strategy for The Children's Television Workshop, tells ThirdAge News that computers have brought more than just word processing to the family. "Thirty years ago when we were young, people thought of television as junk food for children," says Royer. "We're further ahead in that learning curve when it comes to the Internet. Parents believe the Internet can educate children and they have faith in their ability to help that happen. The challenge, of course, is to live up to that belief but the attitude is positive and constructive toward making this happen."
The Safe and Smart study explains why parents and children value their Internet experiences. It also offers tips on how to reap the benefits and avoid the pitfalls of this pioneering medium.
