The days when a mum would turn to her own family first for advice on bringing up baby are over, according to new research from BT and website Netmums.
The dramatic growth of broadband in Britain means that modern mums are turning to advice sites on the web and online friends for words of wisdom before their own kin.
Social changes, such as young people living further away from their own parents and the rise of ‘virtual community’ on the internet, mean that 47 per cent of mums turn to the internet first for parenting skills or health advice.
Only 38 per cent said they would do what mums have been doing for decades – and asked their own mum or sister for tips first.
The BT research reveals a new picture of connected Britain, with mums using the internet not only for information gathering and research but also for friendship and support.
Online friendships, previously considered by some to be superficial and anonymous, are now being taken beyond the computer screen and out into the community, with almost half of those surveyed, 42 per cent, having met friends through the internet, and nearly one quarter, 22 per cent, having actually met up in person.
Siobhan Freegard, co-founder of Netmums, said: “It’s astonishing how important the internet has become to mums of today. Right across the country, mums from all walks of life are using the internet for social interaction, support and advice from other mums whether they live just down the road or 400 miles away. Even more astonishing is the number of online friends who are now meeting up in their local areas and putting a face to the name.
“The way families use the internet has changed so much over the last few years and the change is most extreme when you look at us mums. The internet is now a well-established lifeline to many mums and this study shows that when they need a sounding-board, they will log on to get support even before they call a family member or their GP for advice.”
Lesley Gavin, BT futurologist, added: "Twenty years ago, mums had a limited number of options when it came to help and advice; being online now opens up so many opportunities. No matter where they are or what time they log on, the internet can help mums to seek advice and reliable information about a hundred different things at the click of a button. To me, the internet is all about empowerment and increased choice for modern mums.
