Use of the Web provides many more opportunities for young people to find information valuable for learning at school. On the other hand, there is a down-side. Other studies suggest more time online results in more online friends, but fewer real-life friends. Only about a third of all schools use software that stops children from visiting unacceptable Web sites. Entertainment and sports sites headed the lists.
Teens spend about three hours daily on the Web.
A White House survey found 42 percent of parents supervised their children's online experience only a little, but 54 percent did not surpervise at all. As a parent, you can probably see that, like television and video games, the Web has a marvelous side for gathering information, interacting with people in far-flung places, and cummunicating with friends rapidly. But you can also probably see that it has a disturbing quality as well. Many parents feel helpless in trying to spend more time in relationships with their children. Between TV and the Internet, there may be precious time left for parents.