Thirty-seven percent of parents whose children are online say their children's television watching has decreased since they began using the Internet at home. Girls use the Internet as much as boys. Overall, there is no statistical difference between the proportion of girls and boys who use the Internet, the report says. Clearly, both parents and educators need to shed any remaining stereotypes about technophobic girls when it comes to the Internet. However, girls are much more likely to go online for education, schoolwork, and e-mail.
Boys are more likely to go online to play games.
The study shows that schools have an opportunity to help narrow the gap between the technology haves and have-nots. Schools already provide significant Internet access for students who otherwise would not have access. Parents believe the Internet can help them forge closer ties with their children's school. Sixty-four percent of parents surveyed are interested in using the Internet to communicate with their children's teachers. Fifty-six percent would like to be able to view their children's schoolwork online, and 55 percent are interested in using the Internet to communicate with the local school board.