HPshopping.com Survey Reveals How Children Teach and Influence Their Parents in Today's Digital Economy

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--April 30, 2001--A majority of U.S. children are enhancing their parents' technology and Internet awareness and knowledge of the digital economy, according to a study commissioned by hpshopping.com, Hewlett-Packard Company's award-winning e-commerce site.

Approximately two-thirds of the 635 parents surveyed across the United States reported that their children show them something new pertaining to technology or the Internet, such as how to complete research online or how to install and use software and hardware. Sixty-two percent of children show their parents new Web sites to explore, while 40 percent show their parents how to work on projects online, such as craft-making or creating photo albums.

"Although parents are generally thought of as the teachers, hpshopping.com's research has confirmed a different theory," said Shen Li, general manager, hpshopping.com. "In the digital age, children typically know more than or as much as their parents about technology and the Internet. They are driving their parents to learn more."

HPshopping.com's study generated insight on how families use and view technology. The following are just a few examples of the findings collected during the research:

-- Most parents are just starting to learn: Sixty-nine percent of parents consider themselves beginner or intermediate users of technology with an additional 10 percent not having used technology yet. Only 20 percent of parents consider themselves advanced or expert users.

-- Schools are the greatest resource to children: Sixty percent of children gain their technology knowledge at school and 17 percent from their families.

-- Children teach their parents the fun -- as well as the functional -- side of technology: For recreation, 69 percent of kids show their parents what games are all about, while 26 percent of children show their parents what to shop for on the Internet. On the functional side, 56 percent of kids teach parents how to complete research online, and 40 percent instruct parents how to install and use software and hardware.

-- Parents are expanding beyond the PC and printer: While PCs and printers are still the most popular technology products used by parents (69 and 72 percent, respectively), other products are gaining in popularity for home use as well: 35 percent of homes have scanners; 24 percent have digital cameras; 20 percent have CD-writers; 7 percent have handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs); and, 4 percent have Web TV products.

"We understand that technology is enriching people's lives, yet we also understand that the majority of people are still learning the basics," said Li. "We factor this in when we present information about our technology products on hpshopping.com. The site provides helpful tutorials and straightforward descriptions so shoppers can make an educated selection."

During the popular Mother's Day, Father's Day and graduation season, people will benefit from hpshopping.com's Gift Guide feature. The Gift Guide provides product recommendations to visitors shopping for the perfect gift, whether it is for their family or the music or photography enthusiast in their lives.

Celebrities also participated in hpshopping.com's research and reinforced the findings. For example, Jane Seymour, star of "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," agreed with the 44 percent of parents who acknowledge that their children know more about technology and the Internet than they do. "They're teaching me everything I know and inspiring me to learn more (about technology)," Seymour admitted. Sinbad, star of "A Different World," said his kids help him tremendously by showing him technology short cuts.

The survey was conducted on behalf of hpshopping.com by International Communications Research (ICR) from March 23 through April 1, 2001. Participation included 635 parents with at least one child between the ages of 6 and 20, located across the United States. To read more about the ICR report or review the responses from celebrities, including Jane Seymour, Sinbad, Kim Alexis, Peggy Fleming and Hunter Tylo, visit hpshopping.com.

About hpshopping.com

HPshopping.com offers U.S. customers a one-stop shop for HP consumer home and home office products -- from customized HP Pavilion PCs and handheld devices to printers, scanners, digital imaging products, printing supplies and accessories -- online at hpshopping.com. HPshopping.com, with headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., was incorporated in May 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard Company.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services -- is focused on making technology and its benefits accessible to individuals and businesses through simple appliances, useful e-services and solutions for an Internet infrastructure that's always on.

HP had total revenue from continuing operations of $48.8 billion in its 2000 fiscal year. Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.