A study done by the NOP Research Group has found that one in three children in the UK ages 6-16 have used the Internet. NOP says that means almost 2.4 million children in the UK have used the Internet, and the company expects an additional 1.8 million children in the UK to become Internet users in the next year. The Kids.net study showed that children are generally Internet enthusiasts, NOP said.
Children find the Net easy to use, and like to use it for fun, games, and chat.
This presents a dilemma for parents and those responsible for Internet content, said one analyst. At the same time kids enjoy, and are attracted to, the unregulated nature of the Internet and this must be accounted for in any successful solution. Not surprisingly, the survey found marked differences in Internet usage between the boys and girls. Both sexes like to use the Net to chat and make friends. Two-thirds of the children surveyed download information from the Net.