Childhood
today is a very different picture than it was in the past. Instead of seeing
boys shooting hoops outside, you are more likely to find them cooped up indoors
playing video games. And instead of seeing girls playing hopscotch, you'll more
likely find them behind a computer screen.
All
of the technology we cherish as adults also affects the way our children grow
up. They are surrounded by cell phones and computers at home, at school and
pretty much every where they look. What consequences does technology have on
our children's development?
Communication
Skills
The
popularity of texting and social networking sites like Facebook has changed the
way people, including kids and teenagers, talk to one another. These days, we
are more likely to use abbreviated words in text messages than to make a phone
call, much less talk in person.
Kids
are growing up with a decreased value of real conversations and their social
skills suffer for it. Conversing through texts and online messaging does not
give kids the practice they need to express emotions and build confidence to
meet new people in person.
Instant
Gratification
Technology
has also conditioned kids into feeling they should be able to get whatever they
want instantly. Email and text messaging are forms of instant communication.
The Internet is a resource of instant information that while educational can
also prove to be dangerous.
Online,
kids can look at pictures, download music, movies and games and talk to friends
instantly. Sometimes, children don't understand the rest of the world doesn't
work that way.
Dangers
of Technology
Kids
are also experiencing an increased amount of privacy in comparison to years
before. They can send text messages or say things online parents may be
completely unaware of. This is how tragic occurrences, like cyber-bullying,
take place.
Sexting
has also been a huge problem with teenagers. What they do not realize when
sending photos to their boyfriend or girlfriend is those pictures live forever
in the online world and can hurt them in the future.
Moderation
Despite
all the problems technology may bring in raising children, the truth is it's
really up to parents to decide how technology will affect their kids. Children
who are allowed uncontrolled access to the Internet and cell phones may very
well suffer developmentally.
It
is possible, however, to simply pay attention to what kids are doing online,
set parental blocks and put limits on cell phone usage. Technology comes with
many risks, but also many blessings, there are even online schooling programs,
from elementary all the way to college. While parents cannot protect their
children every second of the day, most problems can be avoided with a little
love and attention.
Author Bio: Michelle is an aspiring writer who currently works for an online
college that offers a home
health aide certificate program, among others. When she’s not
working she loves writing about anything and everything and blogs as much as
she can. She loves that blogging allows her to share her writing with an
unlimited audience.
