Broadband Expansion to Benefit Teens
August 20, 2021
Expansion of broadband service in rural and other underserved areas—an effort slated to receive $65 billion in the infrastructure bill approved by the US Senate—will bring “significant” social returns, according to researchers at the Brookings Institution. Gains include improved health, educational, and life outcomes. In Issues, Camille Crittenden predicts that teenagers will especially benefit. She cites research showing that gathering information and communicating online “can help teens feel more connected, find information on topics they may be too embarrassed to ask about in person, and join communities less exclusive than high school cliques and varsity teams.”