One aspect of modern parenting that I find challenging to fully embrace is the excessive use of technology as a means of entertainment, education, and even babysitting for children. While technology undoubtedly offers numerous benefits, there are certain concerns and potential negative consequences that arise when it becomes a dominant aspect of parenting.
Firstly, the overreliance on technology can hinder children's social and emotional development. Excessive screen time can limit face-to-face interactions, impede the development of crucial social skills, and even lead to social isolation. Studies have shown that children who spend excessive time on screens may have difficulties with empathy, emotional regulation, and forming meaningful relationships (Uhls et al., 2014). Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for children aged 6 and older to no more than two hours per day to ensure a healthy balance between technology use and other activities (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).
Secondly, excessive screen time can have adverse effects on physical health. Sedentary behavior associated with prolonged screen time contributes to a higher risk of obesity, poor posture, and musculoskeletal problems in children (Tremblay et al., 2011). Additionally, the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and related issues such as decreased attention span, cognitive impairments, and mood disturbances (Hale & Guan, 2015).
Furthermore, relying heavily on technology for education can limit children's creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities. While educational apps and online resources can be beneficial, they often provide a structured and predetermined learning experience, leaving less room for exploration and independent thinking. Traditional hands-on activities, such as building with blocks, drawing, or playing outside, offer unique opportunities for children to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills in an unstructured and imaginative manner (Lillard et al., 2013).
It is important to note that technology is not inherently bad, and there are certainly positive aspects to its integration into parenting. It can provide access to educational resources, foster digital literacy, and offer entertainment options that can be both educational and enjoyable. However, striking a balance between technology use and other activities is crucial for the overall well-being and development of children.
In conclusion, while technology has its benefits, I find it challenging to fully embrace the excessive use of technology as a means of parenting. The potential negative consequences on children's social, emotional, and physical development, as well as their creativity and critical thinking skills, make it important for parents to be mindful of the amount of screen time and find a healthy balance between technology use and other activities.
References:
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and young minds. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.
- Hale, L., & Guan, S. (2015). Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: A systematic literature review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 21, 50-58.
- Lillard, A. S., Lerner, M. D., Hopkins, E. J., Dore, R. A., Smith, E. D., & Palmquist, C. M. (2013). The impact of pretend play on children's development: A review of the evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 139(1), 1-34.
- Tremblay, M. S., LeBlanc, A. G., Kho, M. E., Saunders, T. J., Larouche, R., Colley, R. C., ... & Gorber, S. C. (2011). Systematic review of sedentary behaviour and health indicators in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 8(1), 98.
- Uhls, Y. T., Michikyan, M., Morris, J., Garcia, D., Small, G. W., Zgourou, E., & Greenfield, P. M. (2014). Five days at outdoor education camp without screens improves preteen skills with nonverbal emotion cues. Computers in Human Behavior, 39, 387-392.
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User Comments
Matthew Gray
a year ago
Giving lifts everywhere certainly. My dads idea of giving me a lift was, "If you're leaving at the same time as me and going where I'm going, then you can have a lift. But I'm not stopping off anywhere or leaving a little early to suit you. You've got legs and you know how a bus works."
Robert Arlington
a year ago
Constant surveillance and being too involved: Phone tracking, giving them lifts absolutely everywhere when they could just take the bus, the urge to organise some sort of entertainment for them at all times. Just let them be a bit for heaven's sake!
Ross Foster
a year ago
when I was a kid I played with toys or read comics, or watched TV when they were busy, I honestly dont see the difference apart from snobbery
Dave Reed
a year ago
People have always and will always complain about teenagers being little shits. It was exactly the same when I was in my teens, 30 years ago, and it's no different now. Parenting, music, video games, movies, and now social media have all been blamed because people need to find a scapegoat for teenagers acting like teenagers.
Kenneth Alvarez
a year ago
This thread gives off huge "Back in my day..." vibes. It wont be long before someone wants to bring back National Service.
John Morgan
a year ago
I hate how phones have now become completely pervasive across society. Anywhere you go where people have any downtime, they will just be staring at them. It really makes me sad to see the messroom at work full of folk on their break sitting for the whole time silently glued to their phones - even ten years ago there would be conversation and shared jokes etc..
Scott Hill
a year ago
Being a parent is relentless and really fucking hard work. As long as it isnât all the time it doesnât matter. Parents need a break too. People without kids always think they would be the perfect parents. Always patient and doing the correct most wholesome thing in any given situation. Everyone thinks that but life has different ideas.
Nathalia Carter
a year ago
I donât care if children are noisy at all. I donât view children as âcrotch goblinsâ or the like. What does annoy me, is how parents handle the situation. So if this mum wanted to give her child the iPad, I literally would not have cared. But if it was super loud, then Iâd have an issue.
Robert Wright
a year ago
My kids spend most of their time outside or playing with toys and we limit screen time at home.
Kevin Thompson
a year ago
My dad used to tell me âyou canât be bored. You have a brainâ. It didnât make me more creative; it just made me resent him.
10 Comments
Giving lifts everywhere certainly. My dads idea of giving me a lift was, "If you're leaving at the same