It's an incredible concept and great way to use this platform to build knowledge of a diversity topics, especially to grow your understanding of controversial topics where you are able to see both sides!
So let's open up this discussion around the role of technology in kids lives.
I have four children. One of the first times this concept was brought to the fore front of my mind was when my oldest was 5. We were up in the woods out at a cabin for some family time with some friends. There was no cell service as we were deep in the rockies, but there was a lan line. As we are getting settled in, my 5 year old picks up the lan line, puts it to her ear and she asks "whats this?"
On that same trip my second, who was 3 at the time walks up to the tv screen and is trying to move it by swiping with his finger across the television. Frustration set in for him as the screen was apparently unresponsive to his finger. He had never really interacted with a screen that was not a touch screen. Crazy
These instances were incredibly comedic to my wife and I, but really eye opening to what sort of technology our children are growing up in. Both my elementary kids have computers and internet access in their classroom. Its way beyond what my generation grew up around, and light years beyond my parents. Their understanding of the internet, smart devices, text messaging, and the immediacy of information is normal. Any 6 year old understands that if they want to talk to their Grandma or set up a play date they just need their mom to get the number and send a text message.
These feel like Benefits to me
You could make lots of arguments of the pro's and con's of technology - but how has technology impacted the development of kids?
You can go to any given family restaurant and see a kid playing on some sort of smart device. You can go to an elementary school pickup and see a kid watching videos on youtube on a phone. You can go to a late night restaurant on a wekeend and find teenagers loitering about not really doing anything but looking at their devices.
You can also download an app specifically built to help children do eye therapy. You also can find kids learning to read using a program on their classroom technology. What about the kids that FaceTime their extended family members consistently that are able to have an intimate relationship as a result.
Is there an appropriate age for internet usage?
Is there a right time in life where kids should own a cell phone
Is there social development stunted by the over exposure of smart devices?
Would love to hear your thought, especially if you are a parent. There are times I feel like all my 5 year old wants to do is play on the iPad. But the things that he knows, understand and has learned about as a result of the iPad are irrefutable.
We have the first generation graduating high school that has known smart phones for almost all their upbringing. What has been the role of technology in them, and is it something that needs to be managed or governed?
Again, the goal here is to promote dialogue from your real life experiences. So please -
- Be Respectful
- Be Kind
- Learn from differing perspectives then your own
- Share honestly, and do not hesitate to disagree!
thanks for reading! Live big today and Dominate Life!