Youngsters prefer internet to family, friends for help

March 18, 2010 08:58 pm | Updated 09:11 pm IST - London

Only a fifth (18 per cent) cross-checked their findings with a friend or parent, researchers found, The Scotsman reported. File Photo: H. Vibhu

Only a fifth (18 per cent) cross-checked their findings with a friend or parent, researchers found, The Scotsman reported. File Photo: H. Vibhu

Almost nine out of ten young people turn to the Internet to help solve their problems, according to a new survey.

More than half (53 per cent) of the youngsters who took refuge online ended up being more worried after finding the information on web pages, the poll, commissioned by Get Connected, a free confidential helpline, revealed.

Only a fifth (18 per cent) said they cross-checked their findings with a friend or parent, researchers found, The Scotsman reported.

Andrew McKnight, chairman of its board of trustees, said, “These results show that there is a need for young people to be able to verify the information that they find online.”

“In many cases the vast amount of information available on the internet seems to exacerbate their personal worries further.” Andrew McKnight said.

“As a society, we have become increasingly reliant on the internet as a first point of reference for a lot of information.” Andrew McKnight added.

He also said, “It is crucial that we make Britain’s young people aware of exactly where they can turn to for dependable information and support. Get Connected is the safe gateway to these services.”

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