Site Use Reveals Top Concerns Of Connecticut Parents

HARTFORD — During April, magnet and charter schools, reading issues and childhood depression were top concerns of those accessing www.greatkidsCT.org, the Connecticut State Library’s website connecting parents of young children to reliable information on health, safety, developmental issues and resources available in Connecticut.

Launched one year ago, the site averages 50,000 to 70,000 hits a month. Topics attracting the most hits reflected seasonal concerns and the impact of external events. In the spring many people sought information on allergies, Little League baseball and bedtime –– when and how to put children to sleep as daylight extended into the evening hours. Last September, a significant number of people linked to the Surgeon General’s report on mental health issues in children, and all through October sites that offered information on dealing with the effects of the terrorist attacks on children were heavily visited. As Christmas approached, family stresses during the holiday season and safety issues connected with celebrations were popular.

“The website www.greatkidsCT.org is a resource for parents and caregivers that has developed over the year into a valued information center,” said Kendall F. Wiggin, Connecticut state librarian. “We are encouraged by its steady use despite limited resources in promoting the website.”

Topics are identified on the website through a list of 1,000 keywords, and each topic connects to a limited number of sites, which are selected for their trustworthiness, accuracy and clarity of presentation.

“We do not connect to everything on a topic –– only the best of the available sites are chosen, and these are replaced as better sources of information come on line,” said Linda Braun, website manager. “We are constantly updating and upgrading our choices.”