High Speed Internet Access: Not Child's Play

The Children's Partnership has published a fascinating new issue brief about the importance of high speed internet access for our country's 73 million children:

As more and more businesses, government programs, higher education institutions, and the medical field take advantage of technological advancements, youth who do not have access to high-speed Internet and the skills to use it effectively will be isolated from information, services, products, and means of entrepreneurship—they will be unprepared for the demands of our technologically advanced world. This not only disadvantages our young people, but also our entire nation in terms of workforce competitiveness in the global economy.

The report's aim is to educate leaders in child service fields about the many different ways that high speed internet can open doors for children and help them succeed. It also provides concrete suggestions on supporting universal access and creating programs that harness the power of the internet for children.

The authors also refer to another research report – Measuring Digital Opportunities for America's Children – which breaks down the benefits to children of high speed internet into four areas: academic achievement, preparation for the workforce, health care, and civic participation. They give examples for each, such as tele-tutoring, job-training, and online monitoring for children with asthma.

But after describing the benefits of high speed internet access for children, the report issues a warning:

Although broadband can deliver key services and opportunities to our children, many children go without access to this crucial infrastructure. In 2003, only 26% of children ages 7-17 had access to broadband in their homes, and low-income children were one-seventh as likely to have broadband at home compared to children in higher income households.

Indeed, figuring out ways to help children take advantage of high speed internet access is the easy part. The hard part is expanding access, so that every child in America has an equal opportunity for success.

Report: Helping Our Children Succeed: What's Broadband Got To Do With It?

Report: Measuring Digital Opportunities for America's Children