Kids need equal access to technology

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”- Martin Luther King, Jr.

At Qustodio, we talk a lot about restricting kids’ technology use. We encourage parents to monitor their children’s screen time, limit it to a reasonable daily dose, and guide young Internet users to the safest and most enriching sites on the Web. But what about those children who instead of being inundated with technology at home, don’t have access to it at all? What are they missing out on, and most importantly, what can we do about it?

Internet Access and Success at SchoolTechnology is changing the way teachers teach and kids learn. Many classrooms are using laptops, digital textbooks, iPads, and all sorts of other educational technology to make learning experiences more meaningful for kids. But the reality is that at the end of the day, some kids go home to houses with no Internet access. Why is this a problem? Increasingly, teachers are assigning homework and projects that requires Internet research. Other assignments may be completed more quickly or more thoroughly with the help of the Web.

Little Known Benefits of Technology for KidsInternet access for kids not only helps them at school, though. Surprisingly, studies have shown some video games to have a positive effect on kids’ creativity. Even social media, which has earned a negative reputation amongst concerned parents, can help kids find friends with similar interests, receive emotional support, and even make the world a better place. The Internet also offers kids the opportunity to educate themselves on topics that interest them and hone their talents in areas like art, music, and creative writing.

No Clear SolutionWhile there may not be a silver bullet that can solve the problem (at least not yet), there are a lot of ideas floating around. Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg wants the Internet to be free, or at the very least affordable, for everyone. Until that happens, though, it’s up to communities to increase access to the Internet for low-income students. Schools, public libraries, and even corporations must work together to bridge this new digital divide. After all, it takes a village.

#### References

The Many Benefits, for Kids, of Playing Video Games

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201201/the-many-benefits-kids-playing-video-games

Pupils Are Disadvantaged if They Don’t Have Internet Access at Home

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/jan/11/school-technology-learning-young-people

Zuckerberg: These Internet Services Should Be Free for Everyone

http://mashable.com/2013/08/26/zuckerberg-dial-tone/