Positive And Negative Effects Of Technology On Children
Updated: May 10
We're surrounded by technologies - from our laptops, tablets, and phones to technology advancing medical, science, and education. The increasing prominence of technology in children's lives is a double-edged sword. While technology is neutral, it can be beneficial or harmful. As technology advances, determining the impact of technology on children becomes more challenging.
Whether we like it or not, children will interact with tech. It is an integrated, necessary, inevitable, and valuable aspect of our reality. Technology offers many good features in life, but can have harmful effects along with the positive.
How Much is too Much?
Kids can accumulate hours of screen usage per day. This excessive screen time can harm a child's development and lead to weight and sleep issues.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 18 months should get no screen time at all. If you're introducing digital media to children between 18 and 24 months, make sure it's good quality and avoid letting them use it alone. Limit screen time for children ages 2 to 5 to one hour per day of high-quality programs.
A one-size-fits-all solution won't function as well as your children grow. You'll have to decide how much media your kids can see daily and what is appropriate.
Consider using the same rules in your child's actual and virtual worlds. Play with your child, teach kindness, get involved, and get to know your child's friends and what they do. Also, remember that the quality of the media exposure is more significant than the technology used or the quantity of time spent on it.
What are some Positive Effects of Technology on Children?
1. It's a source of knowledge.
Today's learners are substantially different from those that came before the internet revolution. So, the learning environment is more dynamic. Classrooms are being redesigned and reinvented in various ways as technology advances to meet the increasing needs of modern digital learners. The internet has evolved into a vital source of information.
Many children's books on the internet can assist a child in expanding their knowledge. It helps them to become independent learners and acquire confidence. Another advantage of the internet is that children have a wealth of information that can pique their interest in reading.
2. Improves their problem-solving skills.
We use this skill frequently in our daily lives. Children should learn it at an early age to deal with challenges in education and other areas throughout their lives.
Teaching children the art of problem-solving has many benefits. It teaches them how to avoid conflicts in school and in their daily lives. It can strengthen their empathy skills and develop other positive attributes. These skills are essential for school readiness and academic success.
3. Builds social interactions.
Social media websites and apps have brought about significant changes in the twenty-first century. These social networking sites and applications improve their ability to engage with others in their social circle. Social media can boost their confidence and prepare them for future social marketing opportunities.
Kids can do many essential things online through social networking platforms. They can stay in touch with friends and family, make new acquaintances, share images, and exchange ideas. Social media also enhances learning chances by allowing middle and high school students to collaborate on homework and group projects.
4. Enhances their creativity.
We can't keep children's imaginations from running wild. Kids today have laptops, tablets, and so much more to assist them in bringing those thoughts into reality.
Sure, students still have pens and paper, but they can now produce a 3D animation instead of creating a picture. They strive to make more with their minds and to try out new things. It improves their learning capacity, allowing them to perform better in the future.
5. Builds independence and empowerment.
Informational resources on the internet make early education far more accessible than in past generations. Because there are so many online resources, they can access research tasks without visiting an actual library. That is not to suggest that we no longer need books. In truth, the internet is a resource that makes books and high-quality information more accessible.
Kids can now complete the process thanks to technological advancements! Who knows how far they would have progressed without technology? It's not just the act of making and doing but also the sense of independence and power. They have the ability to communicate in ways that words cannot. When children can answer their questions, they are more likely to conduct more research and pursue new lines of reasoning. This method can help kids develop independence, academic confidence, and interest in new areas.