Here are just a few ways children benefit from time spent online:

1. Problem Solving/Research

Children learn quickly that they can get information about pretty much anything on the Internet. Early on they become proactive in searching out answers for questions and problems online. And while those early explorations may not be wholly (or even partially) educational, they help develop the research habits for more serious inquires later in life. Video games are also a way for kids to learn problem solving skills.

2. Critical Thinking

A second step to learning to search for information online is the ability to critically assess the results found. This is where parents play a key role in guiding kids to be wise and cautious Internet users, helping them to evaluate sources of information and be aware of misinformation and potential red flags for inappropriate or dangerous online content and situations.

3. Comprehension

What children learn online can help them better understand issues, concepts and more. Children use technology to research topics for a report for school, use online tools and resources to reinforce concepts they may need extra help with, explore areas of personal interest, and offer many other ways to cultivate their intelligence. There are many, excellent apps and other online tools that focus on helping children learn in almost any subject imaginable.

4. Multiple Learning Styles and Paces

Technology offers children the opportunity to learn in ways best adapted to their specific learning styles and paces using a wide range of platforms and technologies. This is a huge benefit for all students, but can be a lifesaver for children with special needs because, in many cases, information designed to be presented in a way that works for them is just a click away.

5. Learning That’s Fun

Technology offers myriad ways to make learning fun for kids. Gamification, for example, allows kids to acquire new skills and information and have a blast doing it. They are engaged and enthusiastic about what they are learning, and motivated to achieve.

6. Technical Skills

Technology is an integral part of our lives. Your child is laying the cornerstones in building online skills that will help him or her in achieving academic and professional success. More and more schools are integrating technology into their curricula, for example by utilizing different technologies for presentations, taking advantage of virtual educational opportunities, communicating electronically with kids about classwork and assignments, using online resources to reinforce skill building, and more.

7. Creativity

Children use technology as an outlet for creativity, limited only by their imaginations. Kids can create movies, with special effects; make presentations; put together playlists and/or create their own audio files; make and manipulate images with special filters and effects; present their skills to a larger audience; create complex online worlds and populate them; role play and develop online personas, . These are just a few examples of the opportunities the Internet offers for kids to engage creativity and imaginary play, the opportunities are virtually endless!

8. Fine Motor/Visual-Spatial Skills

Playing certain video games helps improve kids’ fine motor skills, response times and visual-spatial skills.

9. Connectedness/Communication

This is another area where parental guidance and support is critical and necessary to help children interact safely and appropriately with others online. Most kids learn early how to communicate online and teaching children how to use technology to explore their interests, interact with others who share those interests and showcase their abilities can allow kids to feel connected to others and feel more self-confident. Using technology to communicate—whether via email, text, social media or otherwise—helps strengthen children’s social skills and online etiquette. Multiplayer games, for example, can help children learn collaboration, teamwork and online etiquette.

10. Presentation of Virtual Self

These days, digital identities start very early—for many, at birth. Given the degree to which our children interact online, it is important for children to understand sooner rather than later how their online exchanges and information create and impact their virtual identities. Parents need to educate and guide children to make sure their virtual selves reflect what they (and you) want it to show and sensitive information is not available to those who see it.

11. Empathy, Citizenship and the Power to Create Change

Curated exposure to the media, including social media, can help children better understand the world around them, become exposed to other cultures, understand issues that impact their world (near and far) and become actively involved with causes that are important to them. They can create and sign online petitions, raise money, donate goods and services and participate virtually in countless ways to effect changes. With the guidance and support of their parents, technology allows children to learn to navigate both their real and virtual worlds to make them better places.

Used properly, technology has limitless potential. Since children spend so much time on technology parents need to guide their digital journey so it is beneficial to them. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone, or any mobile device, it's time to talk to them about online behavior, safety, and security. As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your kid about what's important before anyone else does.

Here are some basic guidelines on how parents can make the most of their children’s Internet use:

• Be aware of your child’s online activity — what, when, how, where and with whom.
• Talk to your kids early and often. Don’t wait for kids to start the conversation—initiate a discussion about:
  • What they access online
  • What they communicate, how and with whom
  • What is appropriate and inappropriate for them and from others. Talk about how some people online have bad intentions, such as bullies, predators, hackers and scammers.
  • Credibility
• Create an honest, open environment that is supportive and positive:
  • Be involved in what they are doing and seeing.
  • Ask questions and let them ask questions
  • Talk with them about what they learn, share information/opinions/values
• Be patient:
  • You may need to provide information in small doses, repeatedly, for it to sink in.
  • Your kids may stumble along the way to becoming good digital citizens.
• Set limits:
  • Implement time limits. Set rules about sharing personal information online.
  • Consider parental controls to filter and monitor use at home. Keep in mind that older children may have the technical know-how to get around controls.
  • Be aware of what safety measures are in place on other devices where children have access to the Internet.

There are valid concerns about children using the Internet. However, when online access is given thoughtfully and appropriately, it can have a positive impact on children's learning and development, both cognitive and social.