[Islam-Online- Society]

Today, children are often at the forefront of Internet education. A new generation is being raised in the Internet age, while many adults still struggle to catch up. What effect this new technology has on children has been the topic of much debate. The general sentiment has been that Internet is television, only worse. The material that may be found is more extreme, the time that may be spent on it is greater, and parents often don’t know enough to carefully monitor the situation. However, thorough and complete study of the Internet and its effect on children has been difficult because it is such a new phenomenon. A recent study by the Children’s Television Workshop and backed by the National School Boards Foundation rebukes the earlier concerns that Web use makes people less social and is harmful to children.

The CTW study showed kids that use the Internet are actually more likely to spend time reading books and newspapers, and less time watching television. These children are more likely to build constructive relationships and the Internet in no way negatively affects social interaction. Ninety-five percent of parents in the study said that their family interactions have either stayed the same or increased with Internet usage. Eighty-five percent of parents whose children are Web users say their children spend at least the same amount of time in activities such as reading books.

The essence of the report’s conclusion was positive – “Most parents and children alike seem to view the Internet as a positive new force in children’s lives.” In nearly half of the households surveyed, at least one child uses the Internet. By the teenage years, the numbers increase to almost three out of four children. While teens are more likely to log on at school, younger children are more likely to be online at home after school. This fact accentuates the need for education of young children and their families about how to use the Internet safely and effectively.

The study had six major findings about who is using the Internet and why:

“The main reason families buy computers and connect their children to the Internet at home is for education.”
Education is the most common reason given by parents for buying home computers. More than half the children surveyed said they used the Internet for homework at least once a week.

Main use of Internet in home is “Education/Learning for Children”

“How often do you use the Internet for schoolwork?”

“How often do you use the Internet for general learning activities not connected with school?”

Source: Grunwald Assoclates

“The Internet does not disrupt children’s everyday habits and typical, healthy activities.”
Findings show that children’s Internet use is directly related to their involvement in other activities. Children who use the Internet are actually more likely to read, watch less television, play outdoors and do arts and crafts.

“Has your time reading newspapers/magazines gone up, gone down or stayed the same since you started using the Internet from home?”

“Has your time reading books gone up, gone down or stayed the same since you started using the Internet from home?”

Source: Grunwald Assoclates

“Contrary to conventional wisdom, the Internet does not appear to isolate children from their families, peers or communities. Instead, the Internet is a powerful communication tool that connects children (and parents) to others – and could bolster the home-school connection.”
Children use all types of Internet communication – email, instant messaging, chat rooms, etc. to connect with other people. In fact, many say that this type of communication, typically free or at very low cost, allows them to be more connected and in touch than would otherwise be possible. This can be especially true with long-distance friends and family.

“Has your child’s time spent with friends and family increased, decreased or stayed the same since he/she started using the Internet?”

“Has your time spent with friends and family increased, decreased or stayed the same since you started using the Internet?”

Source: Grunwald Assoclates

“Girls use the Internet as much as boys, but in different ways.”
Stereotypically, girls are not as technically minded as boys. The Internet is one place where girls have confidently filled the gender gap. There is no statistical difference in the number of girls and boys who use the Internet. However, they are using it for different things. While girls are more likely to be online doing homework or chatting with friends, their male peers are using it for games and other entertainment purposes.

PARENTS OF 9- TO 12-YEAR-OLDS WHOSAY THEIR CHILDREN ARE ONLINE

PARENTS OF 13- TO 17-YEAR-OLDS WHOSAY THEIR CHILDREN ARE ONLINE

Source: Grunwald Assoclates

“Schools have the opportunity to help narrow the gap between the haves and have-nots.”
Many low-income families see the Internet as the key to their children’s success and advancement. Schools, by providing Internet access to children who would otherwise not have it, play a key role in leveling the field between children of varying incomes. Also, Internet savvy has a very positive effect on the attitude and optimism of low-income children

LOW-INCOME PARENTS
Less than $40,000

MIDDLE-INCOME PARENTS
$40,000 to $74,999

HIGH-INCOME PARENTS
$75,000 or more

WHITE PARENTS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN PARENTS

Source: Grunwald Assoclates

“Parents trust their children’s use of the Internet; however they do have some concerns.”
Certainly there are concerns for parents, but most genuinely believe that the Internet is a safe place for their children. Common sense and some monitoring of their children’s use is all that is necessary, according to most parents. Guidelines and limitations similar to those parents have for television viewing, are felt to be sufficient.

Which statement do you agree with more: “In regards to the Internet, the most important role of parents is as a guide to the good content” or “In regards to the Internet, the most important role of a parent is as a watchdog”?

Source: Grunwald Assoclates

So, the Internet is not such a scary place. With the necessary care, it can open up worlds of information and education for children. And adults can learn a thing or two from it as well.