A recent poll shows parents respect the value of digital skills but aren't so excited about video games or social media.

The results of a national poll by Common Sense Media show that a majority of parents understand the value of digital skills but are unsure of how important social media skills are for their children. According to a release by Common Sense Media:

• 81 percent of parents believe digital media skills are just as important as traditional learning skills, and 86 percent feel digital media is crucial to preparing their kids for the 21st century.

• A majority of parents get involved with their kids' media lives first and foremost to protect them from harm.

• Parents are still concerned about social networking or connecting with others online.

• 55 percent actively discourage their kids from creating or visiting social networking profiles.

• Three-quarters of parents feel skeptical about the educational claims made by some digital media products, and many parents don't think current products—especially videogames and apps—deliver on that educational potential.

• Parents of younger kids see more educational value in video games than parents of older kids.

• A majority of parents agree that smart phone apps (67 percent) and tablet apps (89 percent) have educational potential.

• Only 41 percent of parents think the videogames out there today help teach thinking and reasoning skills, and most parents don't think the videogames and apps their kids currently use help teach most other skills.

• But 75% of parents would allow more online or mobile digital media use for their kids if they knew that those experiences were helping kids learn something.

Source: Parents see educational value in digital skills but are wary of social media, The Washington Post.