Lonely children are looking for friends on the internet and disclosing more personal and intimate information than those with real-life buddies.
A Queensland University of Technology (QUT) study surveyed 626 Brisbane primary and secondary school students aged 10-16.
The researchers found lonely students compensated for their weaker social skills by using the internet to meet people.
Lonely students spent more time online, disclosed more intimate information and were more likely to have contact with adults on the internet, Associate Professor Marilyn Campbell said,
"We discovered that kids, who did identify as socially anxious or lonely, found the internet to be a very positive experience," she said.
She said lonely children and teenagers communicated online about how they felt, serious problems and confidential topics.
"Lonely kids found great company on the internet," she said.
"They could be more themselves when communicating online.
"They were not as anxious in developing friendships because they were at that one remove."
She said it was unknown if online social skills translated into students' real lives.
"It is also not known whether online communication alleviates depressed feelings or simply isolates lonely users even more," she said.
The study found lonely kids may be more likely to go out of their way to meet their online friends in person.
The study's authors QUT masters student Luigi Bonetti, Associate Professor Marilyn Campbell and Dr Linda Gilmore recommend parents should monitor the internet use of lonely youngsters.
"They have to educate them about the dangers but not go overboard," Ms Campbell said.
