Children & Technology
The effects that digital technology has on developing children are a real concern for the future. With affordable and easily accessible digital devices, children are spending more time on screens than ever before. Screen time is considered time spent using tablets, computers, smartphones, television, or any other similar type of digital technology. Content, context, and duration are imperative factors to consider in regard to screen time. If these factors are not reflected on, then children will see an increase in physical, social, and cognitive difficulties.
These new technologies can be beneficial for children if the content is educational, parents participate in guided learning, and if usage is monitored. 81% of parents in a study found that certain TV shows taught their children valuable lessons, such as sharing and having empathy. Gaming consoles like Wii can help develop motor skills, as well as social skills such as patience and cooperation. Educational e-books can assist children 6 and up with learning new words and proper spelling. This is improved when parents scaffold and co-read with their child; asking questions and talking about the story can encourage the child to make meaningful connections.
Researchers claim that 83% of North American children that are six years old and under watch 2 hours of TV, and spend 50 minutes on a computer/tablet, on a typical day. This means that children are spending most of their free time on screens, instead of playing with friends outdoors. Children require outdoor/ free play, as it helps develop motor, sensory, problem solving, and creative skills. A recent study says obesity and diabetes in children are now nation wide epidemics in Canada and the U.S., partially because of digital technology. The study stated that children who had higher BMI’s played more video games and spent more time on screens, compared to children with lower BMI’s.
Digital technology also has negative effects on social skills. Rather than conversing during meals, families turn the TV on, or place a portable screen in front of their child to distract them. Parents may feel like this is normal, or that their child is benefiting from these “educational” videos, but studies confirm that children learn more from direct human interaction than from the same information on a screen. Computers may be useful at times, but they cannot be a replacement for social interaction.
Immoderate screen time can weaken cognitive development and overall well-being. Children today expect instant gratification and high-speed technology. When toys or experiences in the real world aren’t as fast paced, children’s brains tune out, leading to attention problems later in life. Studies have shown that Ritalin prescriptions and ADHD in children have increased by 42% in the last 15 years. Doctors suggest that human interaction lowers the risk of ADHD, while excessive screen time increases the risk. ). Researchers have also studied how digital technology can be addictive. Brain imaging has shown that digital technology affects the prefrontal cortex the same way that cocaine does. These devices over-stimulate our brains so much, that our dopamine levels rise as much as they do during sex.
Schools should have media literacy classes, where children are taught how to use devices appropriately, analyze media, and understand its’ messages. It is important for parents, educators, and policy makers to be informed about the benefits and concerns of digital technology. The discussion should not be about whether digital devices should be used to educate, it should be about how to appropriately use them to educate.
Photos found from Google Images
