Teen Educational Use of Internet May Be Linked to Demographics

As the parent of a teenager, you have most likely seen, firsthand, the reality of Internet use and how it plays in integral role in your child's entertainment, social networking and even education. For many parents, there exists a struggle in balancing work, play and Internet surfing within the teen.

For lower-income students, the access to the Internet, in recent years, has become easier to find. With many schools providing access to the Internet, students are using technology to not only complete school assignments but to create social networks as well. For some students, the use of the Internet has been expanded through public and private grants which cover the costs of not only the computer and related equipment, but also the Internet access for 12 or 24 month contracts.

If you are one of the millions of American homes with computer and Internet access, and your child is in middle school or high school, you probably have concerns over the amount of time that is spent on the Internet. In homes where students are economically disadvantaged, the Internet is playing a key role in the routine of evening activities. Contrary to what many parents may believe, however, teens of lower socioeconomic households tend to utilize Internet services more often for school and educational purposes than for social networking.

With expanded use of Internet technology for educational purposes, many teachers, especially in schools where economically disadvantaged families are provided Internet technology by the school, teachers are now using Internet to communicate with students. While classroom time may be spent on lecture and instructional learning, the students' access to the Internet, at home, provides the teachers with an opportunity to supplement learning through e-mail and other Internet resources.

As the parent of a teenager, it is important to allow your child the independence needed to become productive adults. However, in the age of advancing dangers associated with technology and Internet use, it is important to continue to monitor the Internet usage of your teen very carefully.