Question of the Day: Can Technological Advances Hinder Our Children’s Development?

Posted by Susan Epstein on May 23rd, 2011 at 09:24pm

by Guest Blogger: Renee Bedford

It seems all people do these days is look at screens, and children are the “worst” of us. Though it is not necessarily their fault, I have not seen my nieces, nephews and my own little one without their portable game console, laptops, cell phones or other technological gadgets in a long time. Mothers are of course worrying, and like me, Marion Lybbert of Mom’s Talk is asking other moms if their kids are as savvy in the real world as they are with technology. She raises concern about simple things that may slip through the cracks between school and that latest gadget. Simple skills like tying their shoelaces when Velcro is the norm get lost in the overabundance of information and stimulation that is the 21st century.

Technology may have helped children all over the world to connect, share, and learn new ideas and skills quickly, without having to move their behinds, but there remains a major question mark hanging over the heads of millions. The Digital Age has children pursuing both an online reality and a face-to-face one, and we are left to wonder how much this impacts development, and if this impact is negative or positive.

1. Wii

As far as interactive game consoles go, Wii is the most active and popular one on the market. From tennis to fishing, baking or any other real game or sport, the Wii has a simulation for it. This creates a world where the child does not need to venture out and experience real world activities. Despite efforts in creating social environment in the virtual realm, the social interaction that comes with real-life activities gets thrown out the window.

Instead: Let your children build discipline and social skills through athletics or other activities. Joining a sports team will teach healthy competitive spirit, the discipline of practice and stamina for physical rigor. It also instills a desire for daily exercise that carries into adulthood. Learning new outdoor skills like fishing will develop an appreciation for nature. My house has kept the Wii for special occasions only, like sleepovers and holidays, and instead hold family badminton tournaments and tug-of-wars—priceless moments that we all remember fondly.

2. Avatars

Fast, convenient and basically free, email is the most common form of online communication. It has led younger generations to formulate an online persona, often used to hide those guilty of online bullying. Because users are able to create multiple avatars and use them to bombard others with hate mail without fear of repercussions, our children do not learn to take responsibility for their actions.

Instead: Other than enrolling your child in team sports, coach them to use snail mail. This teaches them to make an effort, consider a means of communication they wouldn’t normally, and it gives a more personal touch to a letter, even if it is typed. Their friends will appreciate getting real mail, which they almost never do, and adults will feel the sincerity in their thank you notes and other letters. This also reinforces the idea that there’s life beyond their computer.

3. GPSA

Global Positioning Satellite device is an interactive, handy map that will give you directions on anywhere you need to go. It cuts out the middleman on having to consult a paper map, analyzing where the road ends, memorizing street names and addresses, and even remembers the route to your home or office so all you have to say is, “Home”. The dependence on this gadget is incredible, with everyone, not only children, not really knowing where to go or what to do unless their GPS is pointing them in the right direction. This proves difficult when the device is unavailable, whether broken or malfunctioning.

Instead: Even if they think it’s a waste of time, take the effort to teach your children basic survival skills, like reading maps and building fires. In the times like these, we have to be prepared for situations that may arise and hopefully, even though your kids may never need to survive in the wild, learning these skills which teach them independence, analytical strategies and creative thinking in difficult situations.

4. Applications aka ‘Apps’

Everything now has a Smartphone or tablet application. These games and applications are built to be addictive, not to educate or entertain. Taking time away from real world and face-to-face interaction, iPhone and iPad apps undermine the social experience of real conversations and are a constant source of unhealthy competition, addiction and distraction.

Instead: Instill a “gadget-free time” in your house, like my husband and I did with mine. Let your children suggest activities that do not involve any type of screen and can be done by the whole family. We go to mini golf, play a board game, bake, cook dinner, or explore the nearest museums and forests if we’re feeling adventurous. Engage your kids in real conversations about their lives and interests. Doing so not only encourages their personal and intellectual growth, it also helps you get to know each other that much better.

Dependence on technology is rampant in the 21st century, but not unstoppable. By taking the time to teach your children to be self-reliant you ensure their bright future.

Self reliance and preparedness come naturally to Renee Bedford, a mom who knows these skills will keep her children not only smarter but safer. Renee sells artificial Christmas trees for Christmas Tree Market. Being prepared for some hands-on assembly might be required, because many of her products are artificial Christmas trees.