In discussing the risks of Internet usage, we must also emphasize the educational components to Internet usage in the context of children. The Internet does have extremely beneficial elements, such as allowing children to navigate the Web independently and creatively, while learning at the same time. Some general benefits of getting on-line include: educational opportunities, improving reading skills, easy communication and entertainment.
A recent article titled Children and Computers: Risks and Benefits, (Journal of American Child & Adolescence Psychiatry, 1998), illustrated significant findings on the benefits of the Internet especially to children. One of the many benefits is the idea that children can practice social interactions on-line. Children who have difficulty communicating in classrooms may use the Internet to communicate anonymously. More specifically, to a child with social disabilities or anxieties, or have a homebound illness can now develop social skills on-line. For more information on this go to our section on Chat Rooms.
The Internet can also assist in children's homework assignments, therefore improving self-esteem. According to the article, "computer games teach the importance of practice as a strategy to achieving goals;" therefore children can develop many skills from their on-line journeys.
The academic advantages for children are especially important for children who are suffering from attention disorders; children with these types of disorders now have the opportunity to access data quickly and can also obtain on-line tutoring. Computer software also fosters children's ability to research, organize and revise information. This is a primary reason as to why children often know more about Internet usage than their own parents.
Most parents and children seem to view the Internet as a positive force in children's lives in the end. The Internet can be a powerful learning tool in which both parents and children can engage in. It can also be an equally powerful tool for schools and other educational institutions to increase awareness of important issues and public engagement and family involvement in these issues. The Internet is a tool that can unite students and teachers, parents, and leaders of the communities.
Report From the National School Board of Education--
According to a recent report from the National School Board Association, there are many benefits to the Internet, which include the following:
1. Educational Resources.
Education is the single most common reason parents buy computers for their households. In addition, education related use of the Internet goes beyond learning activities for required school work; many parents believe the Internet has improved their children's attitudes towards school
2. The Internet does not disrupt
children's every day habits and typical, healthy activities. In fact, once they start using the Internet, children spend less time watching TV, and more time reading newspapers and books.
3. The Internet does not isolate children from their families, peers or communities. Instead, the Internet can open lines of communication. All of this evidence illustrates the importance of the Internet as a powerful tool for communication. Of course this is directly connected to parents maintaining opens lines of communication with their children and establishing rules for safe Internet usage.
4. Schools have an opportunity to help narrow the gap between the have and have-nots. Schools are providing significant Internet access to students who otherwise would have none. In addition, low-income families have a strong belief in the Internet as a vehicle for their childrenÕs advancement. The Internet provides access to educational resource centers and programs.
All of these benefits are possible with a clear understanding of rules about Internet usage between parents and children. Establishing an atmosphere of trust and comfort for children to ask their parents questions about Internet Usage is an important point. Children must know what sites to look for and what kinds of sites to avoid. More importantly, the Internet should be a family activity, bringing the family together in order to maintain better supervision and protection for children's journeys on-line.
For more information on this report please click on
www.nsba.org.
