If you give a toddler a smartphone or tablet, chances are good that they’ll learn how to use it and purchase some in-app items within a few seconds. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, kids are learning how to use computers at an early age. Children in elementary school use computers for their classes, and many of them use tablets and PCs at home long before they attend school. Children are advancing rapidly in their preparation for education, future careers, innovation, and other areas as they learn about technology at a very young age. It’s possible that your children could assist you with your WGU online coursework!
But despite our constant reliance on technology, there are some serious worries about it.
Children and technology: benefits and drawbacks:
Today children are constantly surrounded by screens. Most homes have multiple televisions, computers, tablets, and phones that children can access. Some kids even have their phones and tablets from a young age. Studies show that children between the ages of 8 and 10 spend almost 8 hours a day using various forms of media, while older children and teenagers spend an average of 11 hours a day. It means that kids are spending more time with technology than they do in school.
Unfortunately, this trend is not decreasing. Many teenagers say they send thousands of text messages each month, stay up late scrolling through social media, and spend hours playing video games every day. As more apps and options become available, technology use among children is likely to increase even more.
While there are some technology advantages, many people are concerned about its negative impact on children’s lives. The real question is: how can parents and teachers positively use technology without allowing it to take over and negatively affect children’s lives?
Negative effects:
Find out what harms young children and teenagers from technology.
Reduced capacity for focus. Technology has a direct effect on attention spans, as observed by educators, parents, and students. Children find waiting difficult because of the instantaneous nature of technology interactions. Thanks to technology, they don’t have to wait. They never get bored because they always have something to keep them occupied, and they can watch their TV show right away.
Risks and a lack of privacy, especially for teenagers and children. For these young ones, the concept of privacy is somewhat unfamiliar. Although cybersecurity has become a central aspect of technology, it is not foolproof. Hackers and cybercriminals can take advantage of technology to steal identities and harass children. The use of technology has increased theft, privacy violations, harassment, and other related issues. Therefore, the IT industry requires cybersecurity experts to help make technology more secure for children. If you’re interested, you can pursue a degree in cybersecurity and contribute to creating a safer technological environment for kids
Risk Of Depression. Children and teenagers who report using media more frequently are also more likely to report mental health problems. One important problem that is linked to increased media use is depression. As a result, there are now more young people in need of mental health treatments like medication and counseling due to the rise in suicide rates. According to experts, using technology or spending time on social media can directly contribute to a higher risk of depression.
- Obesity. Children who spend more time inside on their phones or tablets don’t spend as much time running and playing outside. They establish habits of technology use that don’t involve exercise. It can lead to increased obesity rates in children and young adults.
- Declining scores. Today’s students know that increasing the time spent on technology lowers their grades. Less time is spent on homework when students use technology more frequently. Additionally, the developmental changes that technology can cause can cause students to struggle with reading and writing assignments.
Intimidation. Bullying is on the rise along with technology. Instead of having to confront other children, kids, and teenagers are bullying other kids through social media and technology. This trend, also known as cyberbullying, is growing and gaining popularity among younger students.
- Social communication problems. Younger children are experiencing difficulties with face-to-face social interactions due to increased time spent on technology. Instead of speaking to each other face-to-face, many people seem to prefer texting or chatting on social media. Even when kids hang out, they might spend more time messaging each other on their phones or sending texts than spending quality time together.
-
Positive impacts:
- While there are many negative impacts that can be connected to technology use, there are many positive impacts as well.
Assisting their education. Technology has a lot of educational features that can aid in kids’ learning. Children can be exposed to a wide range of content, from TV shows to apps on smartphones and tablets, that can aid in their mental development and impart new knowledge.
- The use of technology in classrooms is becoming increasingly popular among teachers. With the help of technology, teachers can cater to diverse learning needs, reinforce and build upon concepts, and motivate students in innovative ways. By embracing technology, teachers can create new opportunities for learning in classrooms and reach a wider range of students who learn best through technology.
Getting ready for a future in technology. Professionals prepared to enter the technology industry will be in greater demand as long as technology grows and thrives. Young children who are enthusiastic about technology and its possibilities are better equipped for the opportunities it will present in the future. Youngsters can begin acquiring the technological skills they will require later in life at an early age. If you’re a young student with the necessary background in technology for an IT career, you should think about getting an IT degree to start your career and strengthen your credentials.
Enhanced ability to multitask. Research indicates that early exposure to technology enhances young children’s ability to multitask efficiently. Students can learn how to listen, type, take notes, and perform other multitasking tasks that will help them succeed in the future, even though multitasking is never allowed.
Enhanced growth in visual-spatial skills. When young students and children are trained with the aid of technology, such as video games, spatial development can be significantly enhanced. Using video games to practice visual-spatial skills can be an excellent way to enhance one’s abilities. Visual-spatial skills are necessary for many tasks, including solving puzzles and reading maps.
enhanced ability to solve problems and make decisions. Children are frequently faced with problems by technology, which teaches them how to make decisions and find solutions. Children can benefit from the practice that tablet and smartphone games and apps provide in order to succeed in the future. Students who use technology well can benefit greatly.
How adults can help:
Children can reap the advantages of technology while minimizing its drawbacks with the assistance of adults and parents. One place parents can start is by making sure kids under two don’t use screens. In addition, they can engage in play alongside kids to incorporate in-person tech interactions while ensuring that technology doesn’t obstruct playtime. In addition, parents have a responsibility to model responsible smartphone use and establish suitable limits, such as time limits. Systems and software for cybersecurity can help make sure children use technology safely.
Teachers and parents can keep an eye out for high-quality apps that support science, math, reading, and vocabulary. In order to provide children with opportunities for a bright tech future, adults can ensure that children learn about computer science and IT as part of technology use.