Children help moms with online shopping

Results from a study of children between the ages of 8-14 years old show that children are helping their parents with a variety of online chores, including shopping.

by Helen Leggatt

The “Surfin’ on Mom’s Turf” survey, conducted by Stars for Kidz, found that tech-savvy youngsters are helping their moms with various online tasks and some have even completed financial transactions.

Why? Almost half, 47 percent, said their parents are “clueless” online and 29 percent said, their mom needed help due to lack of time.

Of the 6,000 youngsters surveyed, 77 percent admitted to making an online transaction. On the whole, however, youngsters are roped in to help undertake a variety of activities including sharing images and emails with relatives (38 percent), getting movie listings (38 percent) and planning travel/vacations (36 percent). More startlingly, 14 percent said, they were planning to file their mom's income tax return this year.

"First and foremost, kids need to be recognized that they play an integral part in their family's lives," said Dr. Barbara Ottaviani, Stars for Kidz analyst, via SYS-CON.com. "And, whether kids are helping Mom with her taxes, vacation planning or shopping, kids are learning first-hand the power and purpose of information. The computer is much more than just fun and games; it's a very practical tool where kids can apply their knowledge and newly acquired skills for their benefit and yours."

With children taking up alot of time on the internet at home, over a quarter of those surveyed reported spending three or more hours online a day, coupled with their everyday use of mobile devices, it’s not surprising that they are more comfortable using the internet than their parents. Almost half of the children said, their parents controlled the amount of time they spent online.