The findings of a telephone survey conducted by the National School Boards Association and Children's Television Workshop released this week indicate school-age children use the Internet primarily for schoolwork. In 49 percent of the households surveyed, at least one child uses the Internet.
Girls seem to be using the Internet as often as boys, although for different reasons.
Most girls said they use the Web for education, e-mail and chat rooms while boys indicated they use it for entertainment and games when not doing schoolwork. Also, parents said they trust their children to use the Internet responsibly and that kids' television viewing has decreased since the Internet came into their homes. Both parents and children said their families purchased a personal computer for educational purposes and that the World Wide Web does not interrupt daily habits or duties. The study also suggested that publicized reports claiming the Internet is isolating children from their family and their environment are inaccurate, if not false. On the heels of the study, the Seattle Times reports the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act , which forces Web sites catering to children less than 13 years old to obtain permission from parents before collecting personal information about their surfing habits, goes into effect April 21.