Parents Need To Do Their Homework - Online

Two thirds of British mums and dads (66%) say they fear their child cannot tell the difference between online advertisements and factual information and therefore could be using untrustworthy information as a source for learning.

With most parents noting the significant evolution in children’s learning styles since the days of their own childhood, many are keen to understand more about 21st century learning to help support their children as the start of term approaches,

New research by the Carphone Warehouse reveals that nearly seven out of ten high school students now ditch their textbooks outside the classroom and instead head online to get the information they need. As such, there is an increasing concern that parents are unaware of how best to support new learning styles, with 10% actually relying fully on schools to educate their children about the online world of learning.

This can in some cases carry inherent dangers as there is very little regulation to ensure the information children gain online is accurate. Online encyclopaedias such as Wikipedia for example allow any user – regardless of qualification - to edit or add entries which can lead to mistake-riddled essays, poor grades and even accusations of plagiarism.

However, the majority of British parents recognise the positive aspects of online education with 67% being happy for their children to use online encyclopaedias, while three quarters recognise the key role the internet plays in learning from as early as primary school age. 

Dr Pat Spungin, founder of Raisingkids.co.uk, says that more guidance should be available for parents: “What this research really indicates is an evolution of learning styles in young children and the shift towards modern technology to provide essential aid for education. I think it’s fascinating that so many parents think that the internet plays such an important role so early in a child’s life. It’s so important for parents to try to stay on top of these changes by seeking out further understanding of the exciting new resources available to children today.”

For more information visit www.carphonewarehouse.com/backtoschool