For kids today, having access to the internet is integral to communicating, social bonding, and learning. Schools implement all kinds of technology into their lesson plans while children growing up increasingly become better at navigating new computer programs and gadgets.
Since many school-aged kids use computers and laptops for their education, it only makes sense that they would need high-speed internet that’s easily accessible. The World Wide Web irrefutably plays a critical role in modern childhood development, which means having fast-paced and reliable WiFi is more important than ever.
What is High-Speed Internet?
You may be browsing a telecommunications website or watching the newest AT&T commercial when the term high-speed internet is inevitably mentioned. Though it’s a key term for companies selling WiFi packages, many might need to familiarize themselves with what constitutes a fast internet deal.
From a technology standpoint, high-speed internet means any service with a download speed of 25 Mbps or greater. Most standard packages these days will provide 25 Mbps without any more significant payment, meaning you probably have high-speed internet without knowing it.
Access to high-speed internet means quicker load times for websites, online games, education programs, and more. Without fast and reliable internet, you and your child might as well be back in the stone age. Fortunately for us, the ubiquity of rapid WiFi means a quicker entry to learning.
Remote Learning
One of the most substantial changes to having high-speed internet is including remote learning. Though it wasn’t implemented widely until the start of the COVID lockdown, remote learning is now a regular part of your child’s education and exists for all ages of students.
Any standard internet connection does an efficient job, but implementing a high-speed connection is the best way to ensure your children get the most out of their remote experience. Since most remote learning happens over Zoom or a similar video calling software, it’s important that these calls don’t drop or lag. Unfortunately, an annoying audio or video lag could offset your child’s educational experience. Since kids are easily distracted, it is essential to ensure their remote learning software runs smoothly without interruptions or delays.
Improved Academic Performance
Recent studies have shown that including high-speed internet access can increase a student’s academic achievements. A significant reason for this positive outcome is due to the unlimited breadth of knowledge that exists online. Students can easily and quickly find answers to their questions or information on various topics, leading to quality, in-depth research.
Kids are also able to continue their learning outside of the classroom. Since the internet is accessible almost anywhere, students can conduct their own investigations for their home, the park, or wherever they may be. Encouraging kids to continue their educational endeavors after class is a good reason why academic performance can improve through WiFi accessibility.
Engagement in Class
Many might assume that letting kids use laptops, tablets, or phones from an early age may increase attention issues in class. Conversely, studies have shown that children who are given computers or laptops can help engagement at school. This type of engagement looked like answering questions in class and exerting more effort during physical tasks and assignments.
For parents who are worried about getting their kids hooked on computers and technology devices too young, it should offer relief that internet access can improve classroom engagement rather than impair it.
Extracurricular Activities
For most adults, extracurricular opportunities like clubs and sports are exclusively for in-person interactions. But today’s kids can explore these activities virtually, which can further their education regardless of physical location.
If your town or city doesn’t offer a particular extracurricular, the internet is a perfect place for kids to access that interest. Children are no longer restricted by location, which leads to incredibly diverse educational opportunities unlimited by their neighborhood’s resources.
Popular virtual extracurriculars include online competitions like deck-building or video games, remote clubs, or online tutoring services. High-speed internet also allows athletes to stay up-to-date on training resources, even when their sport is in its off-season.
Including high-speed internet in your home will allow your child to pursue their interests and passions, even when your school or district doesn’t offer them.
Digital Literacy
For parents, protecting their children from the internet is a crucial challenge that often seems unwinnable. Adults know that with unlimited access to the internet comes the possibility for kids to stumble upon topics and websites that aren’t appropriate for them. Some parents might want to shut off the internet entirely to their children in hopes that that will help shield them from violent or sexual content.
Though the World Wide Web might seem daunting, exposing your kids to the internet early on is more helpful to teach them online safety. Since modern technology isn’t going anywhere, children deserve to understand the pros and cons of the internet to develop their digital literacy.
Access to high-speed internet is an excellent lesson in learning discernment and privacy. Explain to your kids the dangers of the internet and how some bad actors might misuse it to access personal information. Teach your kids how to avoid being fooled by scammers and navigate child-friendly websites. Giving them the necessary tools to use the internet safely will provide better results in the future, which shutting off WiFi access completely inevitably denies.
Getting children acclimated to computers and the internet also allows them to develop their technological skills. Higher education and most jobs these days require a standard level of digital literacy. Letting your children develop these skills through consistent internet involvement prepares them for the future, where computer knowledge is imperative.