4 Reasons Why Technology Can be Bad for Children
Technology is fundamental and has proved to be useful in our society. The revolution of technology is visible globally, and the uses of technology are versatile and far-reaching. Technology can help save lives, solve crimes and help people gain information efficiently. Technology plays a huge role in the social and everyday life of children and that exposure has changed their social relationships both positively and negatively. Here are the 3 areas that technology can negatively impact children.
1. TECHNOLOGY CAN FORM A BRIDGE BETWEEN A CHILD AND PARENT RELATIONSHIP.
It is quite apparent that the traditional culture of childhood up bring is disappearing in these modern times. Modern technology is slowly replacing certain values and culture that used to form strong family relationships building a bridge between parents and children. Let’s take cell phones for instance. Yes, a cell phone is essential as it creates an easy flow of information. However, this device can also worsen the separation between children and parents. Through instant messaging and easy online connection, children get immediate access to friends, leading them to be liberated from parents and adults and be more reliant on peers, and in worse cases the internet in general, for social support and encouragement, guidance or advice. Connecting with friends through the use of technology could be useful for building relationships and socializing, but its use can also expose children to many negative things. Specific individuals or groups a child will become friends with can sometimes lead them to sex, drugs and breaking the rules at home and school.
2. TECHNOLOGY CAN LEAD TO “HURRIED CHILD” SYNDROME
The sense of time has changed in our modern society and technology can empower children to accomplish tasks easier and faster. This can be good and bad. Let me explain. It is easier to research on the internet than spending time at the library. Having more time means children are forced to stay active and participate in extracurricular activities. For example, being involved in sports or learning a different language. No, you can’t stay idle honey. The downside of the technological help in getting things done faster and creating space to do more is that parents often put more pressure on the child, adding anxiety and more responsibility. The pressure might result in worrying about meeting deadlines, getting older, and more concern about their career path. According to sociology, this can lead to hurried child syndrome, which is described as “children whose lives have been over-programmed by their parents and now leaves them little time for spontaneous play.” Children are growing way too fast in this generation as you can see the many little popular Youtubers.
3. TECHNOLOGY CAN DEVALUE ELDER KNOWLEDGE
In traditional upbringing, children have more respect for the knowledge, skills, and values of their elders. With the use of technology, children have easy access to information and relying less on elders for support. It almost seems like children nowadays devalue the wisdom of their elders. The significant cultural and social lack of understanding between these two generations can lead to what sociologist call “generation gap.” For instance, children learn and adapt to new technology quickly while most adults struggle to keep up. Most adults do not have the same time as children will, to keep up with the latest technology and this might cause a gap in the relationship. With that, some parents get less involved in their children’s lives as it becomes difficult to understand and keep up and as it almost seems like they are not needed.
4. TECHNOLOGY CAN HINDERS CHILDREN’S AUTONOMY AND ORIGINALITY
In a society where children use to nurture their “Autonomy and originality” by doing free play and forming real relationships with peers has now been replaced by society, were technology create a “fictional” bond among children. Social media creates a platform where children feel like they have hundreds of friends or followers when in reality they know nothing or has never even met those friends. Video games allow children to spend more time “On the couch,” instead of being involved and forming intimate relationships with others. It’s no surprise why obesity is a major issue now in our society. Children depend more on technology for originality and creativity. Communication is more effective over digital device than “Face to face.” This has created poor interpersonal communication skills in the lives of children and has led to the increase in bullying.
As I stated in the beginning, Technology is useful and vital in our society. However, parents have to be watchful of technology’s negative impact on their children. Parents can control the limit of the use of technology in their children’s lives. Cell phones and computers can be monitored and made age appropriate. Parents should also, spend more time with children to lessen the generation gap. Also, parents can allow children to be involved at home and physical play with other children. Technology will keep growing to a higher height, and so will its impact on children’s social life.
