The Internet and Its Implications for Children, Parents and Family Relationships

This chapter examines the implications the Internet has for the lives of children, for parents, and for family relationships. It begins by presenting a short history of the Internet and outlining the different types of online spaces. It then examines the arguments made by scholars over the years regarding the benefits and costs the Internet has to offer to individuals, children and families. It is argued that, despite the number of new problems (e.g. crime, addiction) it has brought about, the Internet offers many benefits, including offering children and young people a new way in which to express themselves, explore identity and learn. In order for them to enjoy these benefits, however, appropriate monitoring practices need to be put in place so as to ensure children and adolescents are protected, but not entirely shut out from appropriate and rich online environments.