I’ve been involved in a online training course called “Childhood in the Digital Age”. It has sparked my interest with the various debates between parents and children… teachers and doctors.
Parents was never brought up with technological equipment around them. It was mainly television, radio or the telephone. Nowadays, children have access to various technology: mobile phones, laptops, ipads and so forth. They have been brought up around it and they are not afraid to use it. This is why Parents are more hesitant to work their way around a technology equipment without instructions and guidance from someone else. They were never brought up by this technology advantage.
BUT… I say but, because there is always a downfall with technology. What I came across on the online course is that it affects young children’s social interaction with other children their age – known as “social isolation”. It also affects their behaviour towards people, if technology equipment is taken away from them. There’s higher risk of Obesity and affecting children from age 0-2 years motor skills.
So, who is to blame? Parents or the Child? Or, the people who invented these amazing technology equipments?
It’s neither… There’s various reasons of why we should or should not use technology. But it’s all about balance in life, where technology should be used wisely and as a knowledgeable tool. Not a way to isolate yourself from the real world and loosing the social interaction with people and loved ones around you.
However, what I’m interested in is: What makes digital technology so compelling and motivating? What are the benefits to children’s learning? How do we separate children from using technology as a knowledgeable tool for learning rather than using it for social media/interaction?
Would love to hear peoples views, opinions and their ow experience with their children.
