Low-Down on Teen Tech Use

By now, it is safe to say that virtually every teenage in America has been on the Internet at some point in their life. It is also safe to say that these individuals are getting online regularly. But if we break the statistics down further, how often are different sub pops going online?

Internet Use

• Teens who identify as white are 97% likely to use the Internet while 88% of Latino teens report using the Internet.
• This statistic goes down if the teen is of low SES

Computer Ownership

• There is no real difference among the races or ethnic groups; however, only 65% of teens in low education households report owning a computer.

Cell Phone Ownership

• Girls and Boys are equally likely to own a cell phone
• Teens ages 14-17 are 30% more likely to own a cell phone than younger teens. (87% vs. 57%)
• More white teens have cell phones than black or Hispanic teens
• The higher the income or education of teens parents, the more likely teens will own a cell phone.
• Only 23% of teens report owning a smartphone

Social Networks

• In 2011, 80% of teens reported using social networks. 
• 16% reported they used Twitter
• Teens in lower income families are more likely to use SNS than teens in high income families
• Girls are more likely than boys to use SNS
• Older teens more so than younger teens
• 62% of teens report having their social networking accounts as private

Cyber Bullying

• 69% of teens stay that other SNS users their age are kind/friendly
• 47% say they witness cruelty on the net occasionally while only 12% say they frequently witness cruelty on the net

What does this mean for teachers, librarians, and/or districts? Teachers need to make sure that they are utilizing the Internet in the classroom so that students who do not have Internet or computers at home get practice using the web. Districts need to provide their schools with updated, or as up-to-date as possible, computers, tablets, and other technology so that all students have access to the same information. Librarians need to make sure they have a presence on the Internet, especially SNS, so they can provide resources to all sub populations.

Digital Divides and Bridges: Technology Use Among Youth from Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project

Lenhart, A. (2012, April 13). Digital Divides and Bridges: Technology Use Among Youth. Retrieved December 4, 2014, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2012/04/13/digital-divides-and-bridges-technology-use-among-youth/

Mining PEW Progress: 151/150