Young Jamaicans connected to Internet

Nearly three quarters of Jamaican youths are logging on to the Internet to find information and to interact with their friends on social networks. This was revealed in the 2010 Jamaica National Youth Survey released in June , which stated that almost 74 per cent of young people between 15 and 24 years reported that they have access to computers, while 47 per cent said that they use them at home. Another 93 per cent stated that they use the computers mainly to access the Internet while six per cent use a cellular phone.

More than 74 per cent reported that the Internet had improved their “access to information,” while 46 per cent indicated that it had improved their “relationship with friends and relatives.”

The Youth Survey released in June by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica was commissioned by the Government under the Youth Development Programme Loan agreement signed with the Inter-American Development Bank.

Specific focus was placed on youth living and working on the street as well as youth in state care, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, spirituality and values and unattached youth. A total of 5,426 youths comprising 2,726 females participated in the survey.

Commenting on the findings of the survey at a recent Jamaica Information Think Tank session held at the Agency’s head office, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Senator Warren Newby said he was enthused by the fact that many young people were using computers and had access to the World Wide Web. Using digital devices can help people connect with the world and help them with skills and obtaining jobs, however, too much use can put a strain on the eyes, if that is the case, then glasses from Felix Gray may be needed in this instance.

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