A televised panel discussion on "teenagers' growth and the Internet" was held in Guangzhou recently and was attended by educators, parents and children. The discussion left many parents worried because the children said they chose to ask the Internet for help instead of their parents, says an article in Southern Metropolis Daily. Excerpts:

Baidu and Google have become the two most important sources of information for Chinese teenagers. Instead of seeking the help of their parents, children nowadays prefer to get their answers from the Internet, which is not a healthy development.

The dependence of children on Baidu and Google for answers can be seen as a form of Internet addiction and the reason for the "communication gap" between parents and their wards, a disturbing social development.

Parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. The importance of family education in children's personality development cannot be overstated. When a child has a doubt, it is natural for it to clarify with its parents. If that does not happen, there is fear of the family communication channel breaking down. As a result, children cannot learn the values of life from their parents, and parents cannot know the thoughts of their children and will miss the chance to guide them.