The Pros and Cons of Children Having Access to Technology

Children and teenagers have become hooked on the use of electronics. Children as young as four years old have cell phones and tablets with limited screen time and complete access. Parents use technology as a reward for good behavior, a bribe, and a way to entertain their children. Kids have access to streaming platforms, games, educational apps, google, YouTube, Tiktok and other social media platforms.

Not only are children given free reign to the use of technology, but electronic companies are marketing their products towards children and teenagers. Products are specifically curated for use-by children and teens. And many parents have an issue with this.

While the access to technology on the go provides limitless education and opportunity, it also allows children to be susceptible to cyber bullying and online grooming. Cyber bullying is now extremely common and can lead to suicidal thoughts, self harm and low self esteem. Access to sexual, or violent media content has harmed the mental health of kids and teens and even resulted in criminal records for youth.

However, there are many uses of technology that can be beneficial to your child. To start, an early use of technology sets your child up for an electronic based-society later on in life. By using tablets, phones and computers at home or at school on a day-to-day basis allows your child the chance to understand the capabilities of their devices and understand how to use them properly. Kids when taught with technology or advanced learning tools, are more likely to remember and take in the information learnt.

Parents often believe that a child's use of video games, consumption of cartoons and technology would make their child dull, and it is quite the contrary. Technology helps in faster and better development of cognitive skills. Video games and kids television are often times interactive and help develop your child's cognitive skills.

Technology has changed global parenting styles. It has also changed the amount of time a day that your child spends preoccupied. Whether a TV show, mobile device or gaming system, technology is sure to keep your children quiet, clean and occupied.

One thing we can't deny, is that children love video games. They love technology. They love TV. They love the internet.

While technology is beneficial to a child's cognitive development, in most cases, it has the opposite affect to a child's sedentary development. Screens keep children away from playgrounds, parks, sports and other mobile outdoor activities.

Sociability is a large concern for parents across the world, when it comes to screens. Screen time keeps children away from social interaction. And even if your kid does socialize often, they may have trouble mingling with kids their age.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Technology is changing our world, there's no doubt about that. It's also constantly changing parenting styles and the way people interact with one another. On one hand, technology provides better access to education for children globally, but it also keeps them entertained for hours without socializing or staying active. These concerns are valid and it's up to you to decide whether screen time is going to be limited in your household.

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XO - Katherine's Place