Ninety-two percent of Australian children and teenagers now use the internet, a 28% increase on 1999, according to research from RedSheriff. The increase is primarily due to the rise in access points at homes, schools and libraries.
The
eGeneration Report – Kids and Teens Online, which was sponsored by children’s TV station Nickelodeon, shows that schools are playing a key role in reducing the digital divide in Australia between advantaged and less advantaged children.
“Economic advantage clearly impacted the results, with the use of the internet at home more common in higher income households. School access therefore plays a critical role in bridging any ‘digital divide’ that may exist between advantaged and less advantaged children,” said James Burge, research director for RedSheriff.
The amount of time spent by children on the internet each week ranked behind television, sport and pay TV, as well as listening to music and radio. The internet and game consoles were next, with time spent using both having increased significantly from 1999. Meanwhile, time spent watching TV fell slightly. Books were rated highly for educational value by parents but occupied less time than all of the above activities. Overall, children spent as long on the internet as they did reading a book in a given week.
Almost three quarters (73%) of the children surveyed had been using the internet for more than two years. Nevertheless, children still use the Net less often than their parents, the survey found.
The most notable increase in internet usage since 1999 is amongst the younger users. Nine to 11 year olds have proven to be the keenest users, with 90% accessing the web on a regular basis. “Today’s children will be the first generation of Australians to have adopted the internet at a young age and for it to be an integral part of their development and early education,” said Burge.
