The internet is a very valuable tool. It is used for business, work, school, and recreation. But many are questioning if the internet is ruining children’s and teenagers minds. Can internet and education cope? Or will one have to go? Find out below!

Fact: one project surveyed 754 children from ages 12-17, and study showed that 71% used the internet for school work and projects. Instead of hours of textbook flipping, student can now make enormous multimedia presentations. The internet can be an amazing asset when it comes to education, but sometimes these things can e taken for granted. It all comes down to one thing: the user’s intentions. Will he/she do his work, or will he/she fool around and use the internet for bad?

While the internet can be a place filled with learning, it can also be a place for disaster and distraction. Students take advantage of this opportunity. Reports show that 18% of students have seen or heard of other students cheating. Advertisers and spyware can get in the way, offering “diversions” made for you. Gambling companies, “slanderous” websites, social networks, and various advertisements often then not distract the user with their “enticing” ads. A local researcher states that, “Instead of learning, most students spend hours of valuable learning time playing online games or messing around.”

The Internet is a wonderful new tool that has been “bestowed” upon the current generation of students. But when not used correctly, the results can be preposterous. In all, the internet is a valuable tool to provide for students and teachers alike.