TOMAS: TOOL FOR CONVENIENCE

    Li Yuqi nearly "lives" on the Internet but 11-year-old Tomas Borga de Almaila says the web is not as much of an attraction to him.

    "I can't live without the Internet, but it's not my life," the Lisbon boy said. "I am not depending on it."

    The easy-going sixth grade student likes sports, music and playing with his friends.

    "I have so many things to do that I don't have much time to surf online," Tomas told a Xinhua reporter. "Every day after school, I have a full schedule, such as studying English and tae kwon do, playing guitar and polo,. Then I have dinner and go to sleep."

    Tomas described the Internet as a helpful tool for his studies. He finds it easier and more convenient to search Google and Wikipedia than turning to reference books.

    He also has his own blog where he talks about updated cartoon series with his friends.

    Tomas occasionally visits online markets to purchase things he could not easily find in the supermarkets.

    HEE-JAE CHOI: A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

    The Internet is playing an increasingly indispensable role in the lives of children but at the same time, its hidden troubles worry the parents.

    Like many mothers, 10-year-old Hee-jae Choi's mom, Kim Nan-Hee, cannot fully welcome wide use of the Internet by her son.

    "I don't think it's a good idea as the Internet offers so much wrong information at the same time," the South Korean woman said.

    Kim Nan-Hee worries that the more her son uses the Internet, "the less familiar he may become with books or other 'tangible' things."

    Like most youngsters, Hee-jae gains information, convenience and fun with every click of his mouse, but he is also aware of the negative aspects of being online.

    "When one sits before the computer he has two options _ shape or destroy himself," Hee-jae said. "It is not debatable that some sites contain vulgar materials that are detrimental to a young mind, but these are better left untouched."