Six-year-olds urged to join internet sites

[Miaow]

Six-year-olds becoming 'addicted to technology'

By Cheryl Critchley February 29, 2008 12:00am


SIX-year-olds are being urged to join internet social networking sites, sparking concerns kids are becoming addicted to technology younger than ever.
Canadian website Anne's Diary is billed as the world's first child-safe social networking site for girls aged 6-14. It uses fingerprint technology to restrict it to legitimate members.
"Inspired by the much-loved Anne of Green Gables novels, the website encourages users to explore their creativity . . . in an attractive, safe, virtual world," it says.
Other sites such as www.barbiegirls.com also offer tweens – children aged from 8-12 – games, fashion and chat.
University of Canberra technology expert Robert Fitzgerald said some tweens already displayed technology-related symptoms such as irritability, disengagement and disappearing for hours.
Dr Fitzgerald said parents should be aware of what their children were doing.
"I think there's the possibility for addiction at that age," he said.
Australian Childhood Foundation CEO Joe Tucci said six-year-olds should play in person.
"It's about whether we're setting up children to imitate the adult world just because we think that's what adults are interested in . . . rather than whether it's good for kids," he said.
Tom Wood, 16, who used to surf the internet for up to 15 hours a day, said social networking at six was ridiculous.
Tom, who advises the Federal Government, said six-year-olds did not need to network online.
"They would have no idea what to do and it would embed an unhealthy mindset of online interaction for when they're older," he said.
"On the other hand, if there is a market, it will happen . . . so it is a brilliant opportunity to educate kids about internet safety at such a young age, which it looks like they're doing."

http://www.news.com.au/technology/st...014239,00.html

[Roxy]

My DD is 6 is a few weeks, and I can honestly day that there is no way on this earth that she will be signing up with any social networking sites! She's struggling enough with face to face interpersonal relationships, without isolating her further.

Yes, she has a laptop for games (which is used at the kitchen table so her use is monitored) but it is not internet enabled and not likely to be for a long time yet.

[SassyMummy]

I don't think I'll be allowed my daughter access to the internet when she's that little - what purpose does it serve? Honestly?

Companies will always try to suck kids in so they can profit... but it's up to parents to stop it from happening.

[Mamalicious]

That's just silly.

[MummaBear03]

I agree. My 4 and a half year old has one of those little toy laptop things with spelling and adding up and letters and numbers on it, it has a mouse and all, and that's the closest she'll get to anything for a long time yet. There will be no joining of sites for her that's for sure.

[forbetoel]

Must society try even harder to completely cut out childhood?

We need babies, children, teens, adults and the elderly. Every stage of life is important......why rush the best part????

[our little treasures]

I think that it is very sad that there is pressure to put young children on the net to join social sites.

I am not completely against computer usage for young children as my 2 play for and hour each a week. They play online fisher price games and sesame street.

Social sites, well I fear that will make it extremely hard for them to communicate IRL.

[toni796]

I have only just let my almost 12 y/o to access any of the sites like bebo and facebook......I sometimes allow my girls who are 11 and 8 to get online and play but they are only allowed to use the yahoo kids games and disney channel sites. No way in hell would I be allowing them to join chat sites etc. Especially at the age of 6.