Most parents want their children to step away from the computer and go outside to play! And while that is fine and healthy for younger children, it’s a little harder to get your teenager to play along — but that may not be a bad thing.

A new study released from the MacArthur Foundation claims that use of the internet for social purposes, improves both the technology and literacy capabilities of teenagers.  Such websites might include Facebook, MySpace, and even YouTube!

The study was no one night event either. Researchers tracked the internet use of over eight-hundred teenagers during a three year period. They also conducted interviews of both the children and their parents.

Researcher Mizuko Ito, had the following to say on the matter,

“We found that spending time online is essential for young people to pick up the social and technical skills they need to be competent citizens in the digital age.”