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Is high-speed internet detrimental for early childhood development? Evidence from a countrywide program

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  • Colombo, Karina
  • Failache, Elisa

Abstract

We estimate the effects of high-speed internet in early childhood development exploiting cross-cohort and geographic differences in the introduction of fiber-optic-to-the-home. Using variation in lifetime cumulative exposure to fiber optic and combining survey and administrative data, we estimate effects on cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes measured by validated screening tests. We show that an increase in 10 percentage points in lifetime exposure to fiber optic decreases development scores between 6% and 17% of a standard deviation in communication, problem solving and social skills. An analysis of heterogeneous effects shows that the negative impact is larger for children with more educated parents.

Suggested Citation

  • Colombo, Karina & Failache, Elisa, 2026. "Is high-speed internet detrimental for early childhood development? Evidence from a countrywide program," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:183:y:2026:i:c:s0304387826001264
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2026.103843
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    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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