Some young people use computers to improve their academic performance and make news friends, while others devolve into obsessive game playing or other forms of Internet addiction -- problems that have caused some parents to wonder if allowing their children to use the Internet is such a good idea at all.
According to a study by Shu-Sha Angie Guan; Kaveri Subrahmanyam (published June 25 on the Medscape Today website), Internet access can be both beneficial and detrimental to young users:
For youth, the Internet presents a number of risks along with a multitude of opportunities. The research reviewed suggests that some of the online risks facing youth are addiction, exposure to inappropriate material, cyber-bullying and sexual solicitation. ..."Despite these risks, the research also suggests that the Internet can be beneficial for youth," the researchers reported. "It provides a vehicle to promote cognitive, social, and physical development."
Research also suggests that some youth may be more likely to be victims of online harassment and sexual solicitation, suggesting that intervention efforts should target high-risk youth as well as risky online behaviors.
Labels: internet
Posted By: Aspen/CRC