Contrary to conventional wisdom, the Internet does not appear to isolate children from their families, peers or communities. Girls use the Internet as much as boys, but in different ways. In fact, the Internet may be one of the few public places where girls are equally as involved as boys. The findings indicate that girls are comfortable and competent on the Internet. Girls use the Internet for education, schoolwork, e-mail and chat rooms.
Boys are likely to use the Internet for entertainment and games.
Overall, there is no statistical difference in the proportion of girls and boys who use the Internet. Clearly, this encouraging news debunks any remaining stereotypes about technology-phobic girls when it comes to the Internet. Schools have the opportunity to help narrow the gap between the haves and have-nots. Already, schools are providing significant Internet access for students who otherwise would have none. In addition, low-income families have a strong belief in the Internet as a vehicle for their children's advancement.