Parents Concerned About Internet Usage in the Classroom12 October 2005
While many schools have strengthened
their computer security, parents across America are concerned about
inappropriate content and information theft when their kids log on in the
classroom, The Conference Board and TNS report today.
The Consumer Internet Barometer is produced by The Conference Board and
TNS, the world's largest custom research company, and covers 10,000
households.
Approximately 41 percent of online households include school-age children
(enrolled in Kindergarten through college). At home and at school, in
libraries and community centers, an overwhelming majority of children
regularly use a PC to complete their schoolwork. Parents log on to communicate
with their child's teacher, as well as to access grades.
MOM AND DAD WORRY ABOUT CONTENT AND SECURITY
Nearly 56 percent of parents are concerned that their kids view only
age-appropriate content when logging on from the classroom. Their second
biggest worry -- voiced by half of all parents -- is about privacy and
identity theft. Unsolicited email ranks a very close third. Some 49 percent of
parents are irritated that they and their kids are bombarded by unsolicited
email. Parents are also concerned about the spreading of viruses through file
sharing and spyware devices (the monitoring of personal computers by unknown
third parties.)
"Although the Internet is an information tool that can educate children,
parents are worried about their kids viewing inappropriate content or the
possibility of ID theft when they log on in the classroom," says Lynn Franco,
Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. "Both parents and
educational institutions need to join efforts to ensure their kids understand
the dangers of the Internet, and to make sure the proper tools and guidelines
are used to minimize these risks."
"There is a federal law in place to protect children's online privacy,"
says David Stark, TNS Chief Privacy Officer. "Parents and teachers need to be
aware that companies cannot ask children under the age of 13 for their
personal information online without first obtaining verifiable parental
consent."
NEVER TOO YOUNG TO POINT AND CLICK
Computers are clearly a part of the elementary school learning experience,
as more than 30 percent of students in K-5 now use computers in the classroom.
Computing at home is not far behind, with more than 26 percent of K-5 students
also using home computers.
Computer usage dips slightly during the middle-school years, but rebounds,
particularly at home (to 29.4 percent), during high school. This reflects
students' increased workload and need to conduct research for school projects.
THE FAMILY LOGS ON
A third of parents with kids in grades K-5 say they have, or will, use the
Internet as a learning tool at home with their child. Nearly a quarter use it
to stay in touch with their child's teachers. But parental assistance eases as
children mature and become more Internet savvy and independent. By high
school, only 19 percent of parents use the computer along with their child for
educational purposes.
As students get older and become more independent, parents are
increasingly using the Internet to check on their kids' homework assignments
and grades.
About This Survey:
The Consumer Internet Barometer is based on a quarterly survey of 12,000
households. A unique sample is surveyed each quarter. Return rates average 70
percent, which ensures highly representative data. Data is weighted as well to
reflect the latest U.S. household demographic information. The latest survey
was conducted during the third quarter of 2005. For more information, please
email f.tortorici@conference-board.org or lynn.franco@conference-board.org.
About The Conference Board
Non-partisan and not-for-profit, The Conference Board is one of the
world's leading business membership and research organizations. The Conference
Board produces The Consumer Confidence Index and the Leading Economic
Indicators for the U.S. and other major nations. These barometers can have a
major impact on the financial markets. The Conference Board also produces a
wide range of authoritative reports on corporate governance and ethics, human
resources and diversity, executive compensation and corporate citizenship. Our
conference and council programs bring together more than 10,000 senior
executives each year to share insights and learn from each other. Visit The
Conference Board website at http://www.conference-board.org.
About TNS
TNS, a market information group, is the world's largest custom research
company. TNS operates a global network spanning 70 countries and employs over
13,000 people. We provide market information and measurement, together with
insights and analysis, to local and multinational organizations.
In the U.S., TNS combines specialist sector knowledge with expertise in
the areas of new product development, market understanding, brand and
advertising research and stakeholder management to bring our clients up-to-the
minute, internationally consistent information. Additionally, we provide the
industry's most trusted consumer access panel. We think differently to help
our clients build a competitive advantage, making TNS the sixth sense of
business. http://www.tns-global.com
Source: PR Newswire
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