It could also cause them to resent anything that takes them away from technology, such as spending time with family. This mentality could lead to them prioritizing playing with smart devices over other more meaningful activities. Whilst this could help children learn to both work for and appreciate these cutting-edge luxuries, many argue that this approach could also just reinforce the idea that “tech is good” and “no tech is bad”. Some parents take the same approach towards tech as they do with other treats giving screen time as a reward for good behavior and taking it away as a punishment. If we can’t discipline ourselves to spend less time staring at a screen, how are we going to get our children to do it? Removing screens entirely could leave your child feeling socially, and even academically, isolated. Most parents are feeling at a loss on how to handle this modern epidemic. The Issues Parents Face Tackling the Problem of Children and Technology And if you think it’s tough separating yourself from your smart devices, imagine how difficult it must be for a child who has less awareness of the consequences of their actions. So, it’s not in your head – sometimes it is genuinely difficult to put down your phone. Many of the students from this class then went on to work for some of the largest names in the technology industry, being hired specifically to make apps more addictive. Within a month they had created the formula for phone addiction. Back in 2007, when smart devices and apps were beginning to blossom, a class of 75 students at Stanford University were selected to research whether technology could be used to “persuade people to take certain actions”. So why does tech have this effect on us? Sadly the reason is as scary as you would imagine. You go on to check your Facebook and then before you know it half an hour is gone, you’re watching strange videos from the depths of Youtube, and you have no idea how to got there. Part of the reason we have a love/hate relationship with our phones is because, despite their impressive capabilities, they have the ability to instantly turn us into a zombie. And we’ve all witnessed that zoned-out expression that other people get when they are staring at a screen – it’s not a good look. We all know that fuzzy-headed feeling, when you’ve gazed gormlessly at your phone for too long. Adults on average are now spending a staggering 9 hours 22 minutes a day looking at a screen, a third of which is spent on our phones. But with this being such a modern issue, how are parents meant to navigate their way through it? Why Are Children Addicted to Smart Devices?įirstly, it’s important for parents to realize that this isn’t an issue just affecting children. From the blue glare of the screen through to the content they are engaging with, there is strong evidence of a connection between prolonged periods on smart devices and the negative influences on a child’s well-being. Many parents have also report increased behavioral issues after their child has spent a long period of time on a smart device, with one dad reporting his son became almost demonic with his tech obsession. Increased susceptibility to brainwashing.Problems with self-confidence/anxiety issues.weight gain and less exposure to the benefits of spending time outside Slower development in social and life skills.Studies so far have found that too much time spent on smart devices, and the Internet they access, is causing problems in several areas of children’s development: The amount of time children are spending on smart devices isn’t just concerning parents any more – scientists and governments across the world are now taking an active interest in the effects of this behavior. The Negative Effects of Smart Devices on Children But is something that so easily pacifies a child too good to be true? With 5-16-year-olds now spending an average of over 6 hours a day looking at a mobile phone or screen, worrying patterns are starting to emerge between children and technology. The lure of just popping a tablet in your child’s hands is understandably tempting. ![]() Parenting is tough – just getting a free hour to prepare dinner can feel often feel near impossible. ![]() Although we hate to admit it, smart devices also act as a digital babysitter, keeping our children temporarily occupied and quiet. However, technology has another shameful perk. Offering many great opportunities for more engaged learning, technology can help a child’s progression in subjects that traditionally have had a reputation for struggling to engross pupils, such as math or physics. The Problem of Children and Technology: Getting Children Off Their Mobile Phones and ScreensĬhildren and technology – love it or hate it, smart devices are in your children’s lives and they’re here to stay.
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