Chinese children accessing Internet earlier

BEIJING - Chinese children are accessing the Internet earlier than ever, according to a survey on minors' use of the Internet and social networking services published on Thursday.

The survey, conducted by the Young Pioneers of China, shows that more than 70 percent of minors first access the Internet at or before the age of 10.

It found that recreation, listening to music, playing games and chatting are the main objectives of Chinese minors surfing the net. However, minors read news, send and receive e-mail and use Internet search engines less than adults.

About 27.7 percent of minors first surfed the Internet after age 10, marking a 5-percent drop from 2010, it said.

Meanwhile, 39.8 percent of parents surveyed believe that the Internet is more harmful than useful for their children, and only 14.9 percent think the advantages of the Internet for children outweigh the disadvantages.

Parents' main concerns about their children using the Internet are that it will distract them from their studies, expose them to unhealthy information and connect them with bad people, according to the survey.

More than 80 percent of parents said it is necessary to limit children's time online and guide them in using the Internet.

The survey was conducted among 11,000 students and 5,500 parents from 100 secondary and primary schools in 10 provinces.