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Children and Adolescents: The Impact of the Internet

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2016

Nadine J. Pelling
Nadine J. Pelling*
Affiliation:
The University Of South Australia, Australia
*
c/- School of Psychology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. E-mail: nadine.pelling@unisa.edu.au
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Abstract

The Internet provides access to electronic mail (e-mail), chat rooms, visually represented social interactions, voice and video connections, games, and general Word Wide Web (www or web) surfing. For children and adolescents the Internet has three main uses: information-gathering, entertainment, and interpersonal communication. Many adults fear that youth Internet use will result in negative consequences. Other individuals promote the use of the Internet as supporting positive growth in children and adolescents. This article presents an overview of some of the main areas of concern regarding Internet use as well as its possible benefits. It is hoped that this information will assist school counsellors and psychologists support positive youth Internet use while avoiding negative aspects of Internet involvement.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , December 2004 , pp. 176 - 186
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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