Technology has played a pivotal role in changing the way our kids learn, get entertained, interact with friends or behave in society. Children are becoming tech-savvy at an early age, thus manipulating their levels of creativity.
Almost every family owns electronic games, computers, handheld devices like mobiles, tablets, or other different type of gadgets. Since these gizmos are popular with everyone, children can’t be kept out of this. It is our role as parents to specify limits on when to use specific technological tools & guide them using the technology in correct way.
The most common technologies used by children include: Video games, Smartphone & Smart Television, Computers, Tablets, Internet, social networks, chatting services, calculators and much more. We need to acknowledge the fact that mobile devices are here to remain and are inseparable now. The question is not if children are increasingly prone to technology – that’s evident – but what that technology exposure means for development during adolescence.
Cognitive Development
Originally designed to serve faithfully to mankind, gadgets have exposed their harmful impact on our lives. Our physical, social, and mental health deteriorates because of the excessive exposure to such devices. Too many hours of gadget exposure may negatively affect a child’s brain & its functioning. It may lead to attention loss, slow grasping, heightened impulsivity, and depreciating ability of self-regulation. We advise parents to spend time with them by singing, reading, and talking rather than letting them watch TV at home.
Agitation
We believe that often, kids learn aggression due to long hours of gadget engagement while playing games. As they grow, children who are inclined to computer games are more likely to resist and disobey their parents. So as early as today, instead of relying on gadgets to quiet down your little bundle of energy, opt for options like coloring books, balls or board games like carom, chess. We suggest you take charge of your child today and know more about their behavioral changes.
Physical Development
Lack of any physical exercise is bound to result in deferred physical development and sometimes even childhood obesity. Kids who are glued to their TV screens all the time, instead of playing around with blocks or other toys, miss out on the much needed rest. Continuous engagement in gadgets also causes postural issues like back pain and many muscle related issues in children. They are more likely to develop eye problems as they grow up. We fail to realize that the child is alienated from the world of plants, animals, & natural habitat, & can learn a lot from interaction and socialization.
Social Relationships
The attachment of kids with technology stand in the way of your child’s bonding with family and friends of their age. They spend too much time on gadgets and less time with people as have the convenience of playing on their own. But we must realize that it hinders interaction and disturb the normal communication skill improvement in the long run. They copy and inherit social skills from TV but fail when socializing with others.
Obesity
Replacing physical play time with playing in front of screens often results in making your child obese. They spend a lump sum of their time in front of the television stationery, by snacking and mindless eating, instead of moving around. This poses a risk to the child’s overall health.
At Step Up School, (best school near noida extension) we believe that moderate use of gadgets, balanced with social activities is key to child development. We have to remember that by putting limits on technology usage and being aware of the potential negative consequences of overuse, both kids and adults can have peace of mind and get more from the technology that they use.
