More British Parents Keep In Touch With Children In Universities Through Facebook

January 5, 2009 11:35 a.m. EST

London, England (AHN) - A study released Monday by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills in the United Kingdom said more British parents are tapping technology to keep in touch with their children in universities.

Among the IT tools mentioned in the study were social networking sites like Facebook, service providers such as Skype and text messaging.

Technology revolutionized keeping in touch what one landline in student dorms failed to provide before. At least 75 percent of British parents covered in the survey believe technology will help them retain their ties with their children. .

About 52 percent use cellular phones, 35 percent prefer the email and 44 percent still use the old-fashioned landline. About 23 percent are linked via social networking sites and 16 percent talks to their children in other parts of U.K. using voice over internet protocol.

Commenting on the growing number of Briton families maintaining their ties by using technology, Higher Education Minister David Lammy said, "New technologies have made a big impact on all our lives and as students return from the Christmas break, it's never been easier for moms and dads to stay in touch and updated on their child's progress."