Should I let my kids have electronics?
Love it or hate it, it’s very difficult to survive in the modern world without technology. But what about our children? Some people will tell you electronic devices are bad for kids and should be avoided at any cost, while others say allowing electronic devices is the only way to ensure kids are able to function in the world as adults. As with any heated issue, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Let’s talk about some of the benefits and drawbacks of electronic devices for children.
Pros and Cons of Electronics for Kids
Staying in touch
A few decades ago, it wasn’t uncommon for kids to grow up in one place. Now, it’s common for families to move, sometimes long distances. It can be hard letting go of friendships, but with social media, we don’t have to. The internet allows us to easily stay in touch with friends and family who may not live nearby without racking up huge phone bills. As kids get older and want to go out with friends, giving them a phone gives them a way to contact you if they need to. Flip phones are fine, but many smartphones allow you to track the phone’s location.
Learning opportunities
In many schools today, it is difficult, if not impossible, to complete homework assignments without a computer and internet access. Except in the very early elementary years, students are often required to conduct research, and the fact is, some of the most current and accurate information can be found online (if you are utilizing the correct sources, of course). The internet is also a source of much misinformation as well, which is why it is important for students to learn to think critically and evaluate sources. Not only is the internet useful for homework, it allows kids to learn about any topic that catches their interest, something that rarely happens in school. Whether your child is interested in learning about endangered species, or learning a foreign language, the internet is a great place for your child to explore their passion.
Fitting In:
Social Media: In many schools you would be considered weird if you didn’t have social media. For many kids it is a way to stay “in the know” and determine what is popular today and what things about yesterday are now uncool.
Gaming: Video games are weaved in with social acceptance. Many times, kids hang out via video games. They set up a time where everyone will be online, they go on facetime or use the video games audio, and “hang out” for hours playing with friends. If your kid misses out, they are also missing out on the social connection to other kids.
Health risks
Digital devices with apps, games, music, and videos makes it easy to keep kids busy. Unfortunately, these also present a variety of health risks including hearing damage from using earbuds to listen at high volume, problems with neck and back due to poor posture while using devices, weight gain due to lack of physical activity and attention problems because games are so fast paced that they can’t concentrate on something slow paced. In addition, the EPA has determined that digital devices emit low levels of x-ray radiation. It is unclear whether levels are high enough to impact your child’s health, but is a factor that should be considered.
Predators and inappropriate content
If there is one danger that nearly every parent worries about, it’s online predators. It’s one thing to tell your kids not to talk to strangers, but it’s another to monitor who they may be talking with online. Be aware of the strategies used by predators to lure in children and monitor their activity closely. Often times kids believe they are talking to another kid online, and get tricked into giving their whereabouts, times their parents aren’t home, etc.
Bullies
In our always connected world, even a child’s bedroom may not be a safe haven from bullies. Online bullying is a big problem for many harassed young people.
Bottom Line
For all the contention over children’s use of electronics, the fact is that there are both positive and negative aspects. Bottom line, talk to your kids about their use of electronics. Protecting your children from negative influences is much the same as it was generations ago. Be aware of what they are doing and who they are interacting with. Talk to them about your concerns, play an active role in their lives, and make it clear they can come to you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable