Date Started: 2nd March 2023
Date Ended: 3rd March 2023
Author Name: Sanghamitra Dixit
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Applied Psychology, MA Applied Psychology ( Spl. in Counselling)
Designation: Consultant Psychologist, ACRO Mental Health & Wellness.
Word count: 677 words
Reading time: 8 minutes.
Reviewed by: Mariyam Mohammed & Ayesha Begum.
Technology and the Internet for Children’s Development
A look into the increasing role of technology in early years
In a technology dependent society, children are learning new ways of developing
Hand a smartphone or tablet to a toddler, and chances are they’ll figure out how to open it and play in a matter of seconds (1,2). The technological boom in the 21st century means that children are becoming computer experts at a very young age (3). The COVID-19 pandemic changing the world as we knew it, things, including play and education, have shifted online— perhaps for good (4).
Technology is a boon— where else can one access so much information with a single touch? (5) There are endless (and valid) reasons as to why parents make the choice of using screens: they need to work, cook dinner, and manage their home— sometimes all at the same time (6). When one adds children in the mix— it is a massive investment of time and energy (7,8).
Through technology, children can access vast amounts of knowledge
Parents want to do the best for their children (9). Technology in such cases is a blessing— and yet, it can be exhausting as well (10). For better or for worse, technology is here to stay and is an intricate part of daily living (11,12)
A proper assessment of a tool includes critique of that tool (13). Below are some of the benefits and drawbacks of a technology-influenced life, and how today’s children grow up in such a world(14,15).
Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
Increase in learning: Learning through the traditional methods of note-taking or books will always be timeless, but today, children want to be engaged (16). Learning can be fun, and with technology, this is possible (17). More sources of information made easily accessible, children have made leaps in learning (18).
Improved visual-spatial development: Screens allow for children to process a lot of cues in a small space (19). There are a lot of interactive games and teaching aids today which engage children’s visual and spatial processing skills, handing them the skills to assess hand-eye coordination (20).
Children can be more engaged through technology
Improved problem solving and decision making: Technology allows for puzzles and problems which enhance children’s logical reasoning (21). There are many resources available now at the drop of a hat. Children can experience and train their skills in different, colourful ways (22).
Drawbacks
Lower attention span: Technology has been shown to impact children’s attention span as well as their ability to focus (23). The immediacy of technological interactions make waiting hard for children (24). Things are accessible so fast, the ability to be patient is impacted (25). This means children can become bored easily and would constantly need something to do as fast as possible (26).
Children can get stagnant due to technological dependence
Increased risk and lack of privacy: Accessibility to information is a boon, but the downside to using technology is that dangerous threats have access to your children too (27). The lack of privacy means that despite cybersecurity measures taken by parents, the children can still be harassed (28).
Stagnant lifestyle: There’s no way out of this— technology and available Internet means children remain in one spot or position for a long time without accounting for movement (29). Young children’s growing body also needs physical activity in order to use their body and remain healthy. This has led to growing concerns over obesity and poor physical development, as well as spectacles for children staring at screens for long (30).
Decreased social interaction: Kids are spending more time than ever in front of screens, and it may be inhibiting their ability to recognize emotions and social cues (31). At home, parents may be busy working on their own laptop and providing their children with devices— and this reduces the social bonding between the parent and the child (32).
Long hours in front of a screen can lead to social isolation
Conclusion
With the advent of COVID-19, technology is both a boon and bane for children’s development and education today (33). We may never get rid of technology’s adverse impacts— but as teachers and parents, we can find ways to control children’s exposure to technology and the Internet without harming the learning process, or their physical and mental health (34).
AUDIO-VISUAL CREDITS
Image by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Image by Van Tay Media on Unsplash
Image by Ahmed Hindawi on Unsplash
Image by Thomas Park on Unsplash
Image by Steiner Engeland on Unsplash
REFERENCES
Academy TB. Thriving in the 21st century: The New Science of Early Childhood [Internet]. Reframing Childhood Past and Present. Medium; 2020 [cited 2023Mar1]. Available from: https://medium.com/reframing-childhood-past-and-present/thriving-in-the-21st-century-the-new-science-of-early-childhood-2bbfc1807e1e
Blewett C. Apps to keep kids thinking and learning even during school holidays [Internet]. The Conversation. University of KwaZulu-Natal; 2022 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/apps-to-keep-kids-thinking-and-learning-even-during-school-holidays-6808
Bowman N. Banning smartphones for Kids is just another technology-fearing moral panic [Internet]. The Conversation. West Virginia University; 2022 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/banning-smartphones-for-kids-is-just-another-technology-fearing-moral-panic-74485
Children and Technology: Positive and Negative effects [Internet]. Maryville Online. 2022 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://online.maryville.edu/blog/children-and-technology/
Desai R. Children's mental health and the Digital World: How to get the balance right [Internet]. The Conversation. University of the Witwatersrand; 2022 [cited 2023Mar1]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/childrens-mental-health-and-the-digital-world-how-to-get-the-balance-right-185047
Dore R. 3 smart ways to use screen time while coronavirus keeps kids at home [Internet]. The Conversation. The Ohio State University; 2022 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/3-smart-ways-to-use-screen-time-while-coronavirus-keeps-kids-at-home-133896
iLibrary OECD. Emotional Well-Being in the Digital Age [Internet]. Childhood in the digital age | Educating 21st Century Children : Emotional Well-being in the Digital Age | OECD iLibrary. OECD; [cited 2023Mar1]. Available from: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/2d4352c2-en/index.html?itemId=%2Fcontent%2Fcomponent%2F2d4352c2-en
Haddon L. Unlocking the habits of Britain's smartphone generation [Internet]. The Conversation. London School of Economics and Political Science; 2023 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/unlocking-the-habits-of-britains-smartphone-generation-29922
The Impact of Technology on Children. Cerritos Education;
Nadeem R. Parenting children in the age of screens [Internet]. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Pew Research Center; 2020 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens/
Orlando J. I want my ipad! Are our kids getting addicted to technology? [Internet]. The Conversation. Western Sydney University; 2022 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/i-want-my-ipad-are-our-kids-getting-addicted-to-technology-46325
Orlando J. Banning kids from using technology is counter-productive [Internet]. The Conversation. Western Sydney University; 2023 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/banning-kids-from-using-technology-is-counter-productive-37173
Orlando J. Don't use technology as a bargaining chip with your kids [Internet]. The Conversation. Western Sydney University; 2022 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/dont-use-technology-as-a-bargaining-chip-with-your-kids-85599
Strasburger VC, Hogan M. Children, Adolescents, and the Media [Internet]. AAP Publications. American Academy of Pediatrics; [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2013-2656
Toys G. How bad is screen time for kids really? [Internet]. GIGI TOYS. [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://gigibloks.com/blogs/news/the-truth-about-kids-and-screen-time
Western Governors University. Impact of technology on kids today and tomorrow. [Internet]. Western Governors University. Western Governors University; 2020 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://www.wgu.edu/blog/impact-technology-kids-today-tomorrow1910.html#close
Zhao X(A, Healy S. Parents and screen time: Are you a 'contract maker' or an 'access denier' with your child? [Internet]. The Conversation. Deakin University; 2022 [cited 2023Mar2]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/parents-and-screen-time-are-you-a-contract-maker-or-an-access-denier-with-your-child-188977
The impact of technology on children [Internet]. Cerritos.edu. 2021 [cited 2023 June 1]. Available from: https://www.cerritos.edu/hr/_includes/docs/August_2021_The_Impact_of_Technology_on_Children_ua.pdf
Ricci RC, Paulo ASC de, Freitas AKPB de, Ribeiro IC, Pires LSA, Facina MEL, et al. Impacts of technology on children’s health: a systematic review. Rev Paul Pediatr [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2023 June 1];41:e2020504. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1984-0462/2023/41/2020504
How does technology affect children? [Internet]. Florida Tech Online. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 1]. Available from: https://www.floridatechonline.com/blog/psychology/how-technology-affects-child-development/
MentalUP Educational Games. Positive and negative effects of technology on children [Internet]. MentalUP.co. MentalUP; 2019 [cited 2023 June 1]. Available from: https://www.mentalup.co/blog/positive-and-negative-effects-of-technology-on-children
Children and technology: Positive and negative effects [Internet]. Maryville Online. 2022 [cited 2023 June 1]. Available from: https://online.maryville.edu/blog/children-and-technology/
IJRASET. How does access to the Internet affect child development [Internet]. Ijraset.com. [cited 2023 June 1]. Available from: https://www.ijraset.com/research-paper/how-does-access-to-internet-affect-child-development
Simms B. Positive and negative effects of technology on children [Internet]. Cyberwise. 2022 [cited 2023 Jun 1]. Available from: https://www.cyberwise.org/post/positive-and-negative-effects-of-technology-on-children
Kalmus V, Siibak A, Blinka L. Internet and child well-being. In: Handbook of Child Well-Being. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands; 2014. p. 2093–133.
Wu CST, Fowler C, Lam WYY, Wong HT, Wong CHM, Yuen Loke A. Parenting approaches and digital technology use of preschool age children in a Chinese community. Ital J Pediatr [Internet]. 2014;40(1):44. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1824-7288-40-44
Hatch KE. Determining the effects of technology on children en [Internet]. Uri.edu. [cited 2023 June 1]. Available from: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1212&context=srhonorsprog
Dias P, Brito R, Ribbens W, Daniela L, Rubene Z, Dreier M, et al. The role of parents in the engagement of young children with digital technologies: Exploring tensions between rights of access and protection, from ‘Gatekeepers’ to ‘Scaffolders.’ Glob Stud Child [Internet]. 2016;6(4):414–27. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2043610616676024
Rachmayani D. Internet for children: A review study. In: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Early Childhood Education (ICECE 2016). Paris, France: Atlantis Press; 2017.
Werling K. The EThe effects of technology in early childhood echnology in early childhood [Internet]. Nwciowa.edu. [cited 2023 Jun 1]. Available from: https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1248&context=education_masters
Burris KG, Wright C. Review of research: Children and technology: Issues, challenges, and opportunities. Child Educ [Internet]. 2001;78(1):37–41. Available from: https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA79474943&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00094056&p=AONE&sw=w
Mohammed S. Is technology good or bad for learning? [Internet]. Brookings. 2019 [cited 2023 Jun 1]. Available from: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2019/05/08/is-technology-good-or-bad-for-learning/
M S. The Impact of Using Gadgets on Children. J Depress Anxiety [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2023 Jun 1];07(01):1–3. Available from: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/the-impact-of-using-gadgets-on-children-31330.html
Alsehaima AO, Alanazi AA. Psychological and social risks to children of using the internet: Literature review. J Child Adolesc Behav [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2023 Jun 1];06(05):1–4. Available from: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/psychological-and-social-risks-to-children-of-using-the-internet-literature-review-2375-4494-1000380-105684.html
DISCLAIMER
Although the articles published on our website are not scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles, we aim to provide readers with authentic information on mental health and the daily problems of the 21st century. All content caters to the South Asian population living in India and other countries. We refer to other population groups and ethnicities but do not discriminate against any individual or group.
Some of our write-ups are creative pieces and have all narrative styles. Some articles are not monologues but academic-style essays that cite scholarly articles. Moreover, our content is for all age groups. If we have pieces that require parental advisory, we will put up a cautionary statement.
The above information has been written by a qualified mental health professional or journalist. It has been reviewed by a panel of experienced, qualified, skilled and trained news editors, journalists and mental health professionals. All precautionary measures have been taken to ensure that these articles are not just casual write-ups from youngsters. This is an informal method of sharing important information on the web, so one must seek the positive side of the articles shared on our website.
We also understand that not everyone will be happy to read our information or have qualms about the use of our language. However, we can assure you that our intentions are not to hurt anyone. Moreover, if you have any valuable feedback that you would like to share as a member of the audience or an avid reader of our blog posts, please write back to us at info@mentalhealthservicesacro.com.
All articles are purely for information and educational purposes only. Please remember that everything we share promotes positivity, but not everything shared on our website may work in your favour. All tips and tricks to tackle your issues may have negative outcomes, so please be mindful when you try something on your own without proper guidance or professional supervision. If you happen to be facing a mental health issue or disorder, we request you to seek professional help from the nearest mental health service provider available in your city.
We, the authors or publishers, do not claim responsibility for any harm caused to viewers and readers due to our choice of words or published posts. Furthermore, we will vehemently disregard any abusive language or comments shared by some readers for any given reason and take necessary steps to curb such uncivil behaviours.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION AND INFRINGEMENT
All contents of the website, blog posts, main texts, captions, and ideas are the intellectual property of ACRO Mental Health & Wellness and individual writers. We have taken special care in trying to reference all our work to avoid plagiarism or online trolls. We have used references of audio-visual content that does not infringe on anyone’s IP nor belong to us in some cases, but have given due credit to every individual and site that we referred to before writing our articles. Any unauthorised copying, publishing, or circulation of this content is illegal and will be subject to legal consequences as per the jurisdiction of the Indian Copyright Act.
Comments