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Internet access grows for South Africa`s teens

Johannesburg, 17 Nov 1999

Internet access for White South African teenagers increased significantly between February and July this year. Internet access at home, increased by 39% for teenage boys and 36% for teenage girls, during this period.

Research conducted by strategic Internet insights company, Webchek, found that in July 1999, 16% of white male teens had Web access at home, an increase from 11.5% in February 1999. In addition, 9% had Web access outside of the home, up from 4.5% in February.

Among white female teenagers, 15% had access to the Web at home in July, up from 11% in February. In addition, 9% had access outside of the home, up from 5.5% in February.

According to the research, White South African teenagers with access to the Web at home, have the following profile:

  • 52% male,

  • 48% female

  • 68% English-speaking,

  • 32% Afrikaans-speaking

  • 44% are aged between 13-15 years

  • 21% are aged between 16-17 years

  • 35% are aged between 18-20 years

The profile for those who have Web access outside of the home, is very similar:

  • 50% male

  • 50% female

  • 67% English-speaking

  • 33% Afrikaans-speaking

  • 36% are aged between 13-15 years

  • 19% are aged between 16-17 years

  • 44% are aged between 18-20 years

The research was conducted as part of Webchek`s ongoing tracking of Web access and usage in South Africa, and is based on a study of 400 white male and female teenagers between the ages of 13 and 20 years. A random suburb sampling technique was used to ensure a representative cross-section of respondents.

Webchek plans to conduct indepth research into the processes that people go through once they have connected to the Web, and establish the roles that communication, information, transaction and community play in the lives of South African kids, teens and adults, as part of its "Web-in-Life" study to be conducted in March 2000. Anyone interested in giving input into the development of the research can email Jenny McKinnell on jenny@webchek.co.za

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Webchek

Webchek is a strategic Internet research and insights company, which is in the business of understanding "mindspace" in the digital world. The company conducts regular research studies (based on telephone interviewing, face-to-face interviews, qualitative research, as well as email and online research) aimed at helping companies understand and predict consumer use and adoption of new media and technologies, including the Web, email and electronic and mobile commerce. These studies include regular tracking of the penetration of PCs, email and the Web into the White, Coloured, Black and Teenage markets, as well as a bi-annual syndicated tracking study, Project SA Web User.

Clients who have purchased Webchek research, thinking and/or reports, include Nedcor, Standard Bank, Absa, Liberty Life, Old Mutual, Sanlam, 24.com, M-Web Interactive, iafrica.com, Microsoft, I-Net Bridge, NetActive and Woolworths.

Webchek is a joint venture between South Africa`s largest consumer research company, Research Surveys, and desk-based marketing and Internet information specialists, Info@Beagle. Research Surveys and Webchek are part of JSE-listed group, Adcorp Holdings.