Queensland parents embrace technology as school returns for 2016

Queensland parents are embracing technology and online learning to bond with their children and help prepare them for a competitive digital future, according to new research.

The nbn™ Digital Parenting Report found that more than three quarters of Aussie parents (76 per cent) understand the need to harness the Internet for education in the home in order to help prepare them for a future that is more digital focused.

The report also found that almost half of Aussie parents (45 per cent) are taking advantage of online learning to bond with their children as well as co-viewing educational material with their kids online (48 per cent) during homework time.

In Queensland, parents believe the Internet is essentially the new library or study group, with the report finding that:

• 52 per cent of Queensland parents are aware that their children are using a number of bandwidth intensive applications at home such as conducting research via online tutorials
• 48 per cent of Queensland parents believe their children are collaborating with other children via instant message applications;
• 33 per cent of Queensland parents saying their children are collaborating via video conferencing; and
• 34 per cent of Queensland parents are aware that their children are creating multi-media projects and uploading them to the school’s intranet or Google drive.

Many schools now insist parents purchase tablets or laptops for their children as an integral part of their education.

Despite this, anecdotal evidence suggests that many parents still feel guilty about their children spending time in front of a computer screen

Children’s Technology and Brain Researcher, Dr Kristy Goodwin said:

“Queensland parents should avoid feeling the ‘techno-guilt’ that comes with monitoring screen time and try to understand what content their kids are consuming online instead of focusing on how many hours they are spending on it.

Access to fast and reliable broadband via the nbn network is key in enabling our children to take advantage of online tools such as video tutorials and podcasts which are proven to encourage creativity and help prepare our children for the digital workforce. It will also help to ensure children’s screen-time can be maximised and isn’t wasted due to buffering or digital distractions.”

Queensland Corporate Affairs Manager Kylie Lindsay said:

“As children go back to school today, we’re starting to see a real ramp up in the construction of the nbn™ network across Queensland, which is exciting for the many regions that will start construction this year.

“There is no doubt that our lives are becoming increasingly reliant on technology, and a digital future and the nbn™ network is helping to ensure that our children get the best access to education possible.”

“Parents and children can now bond and learn together by using the nbn to research and view educational material online during homework time.”

Parents, don’t feel guilty - Dr Kristy Goodwin’s tips for parents:

• Don’t obsess about quantifying your child’s screen-time - screen-time limits are important, but not the most critical factor to address how your child uses technology. Instead, focus on what your child’s doing when they’re online and ensure that this time is maximised by providing access to efficient and reliable broadband;
• Use technology with your child where possible – research confirms that co-viewing has educational benefits, whether you’re streaming TV or playing video games together. So help your child to really learn in the loungeroom by being present and interacting with them;
• Prevent the ‘digital zombie effect’ – ask your child about what they’re doing, creating and communicating online; encourage your child to create digital content (such as multimedia slideshows, digital books, podcasts, or videos) in addition to consuming digital content (for example watching You Tube content, or downloading and playing games);
• Parents can learn too – kids love teaching their parents! Remember your child might have more technical knowledge and skills than you do, but they don’t have the life skills and knowledge that you’ll necessarily have so work with them and learn from each other.

nbn is scheduled to start or complete construction work on an additional 615,000 homes and businesses across the state in 2016. This includes areas in Far North, North, Central, Western, South East and South West Queensland.

Visit our nbn blog series to learn more about the how access to fast broadband is transforming the way Australians learn.

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Notes to editors

References:

¹The research included in the nbn™ Digital Parenting Report was commissioned by nbn and developed by Colmar Brunton, with a Australian sample size of 1001 parents across every Australian state and territory – November 2015.