As technology evolves, more advantages and disadvantages are being discovered of its effects. The ongoing debate if children should be exposed to technology is still being discussed, so it is important that awareness is raised. The use of technology amongst children can be excessive and can lead to many difficulties that can be almost impossible to control. Technology can emotionally, socially, academically, and physically effect a child in their development. The safety and health of children who use sources of technology, such as tablets or computers, are raising many concerns. Parents, caregivers, and teachers should take in account both the helpful and damaging aspects of technology.
The absence or slow development of children who are exposed to technology is a big concern that society has. Children learn that a tablet or computer will always be there for their needs, so they become attached. Once the child is attached, it is hard for them to adapt to an environment without technology. An environment, such as school, may not have technology incorporated into their curriculum and a child might feel isolated and confused. Due to isolation, a child could refuse to communicate and fall behind on developing social skills. Good social skills are key to success because people need to be able to work together and it is the only way to create relationships. Without developing social skills, a child might form a strained relationship with their parents or caregiver because they will not know how to appropriately express their emotions. Along with family related relationships, the child will fail at building friendships, such as classmates. It is important that a child possesses these skills at a young age because it will be difficult to gain them as they get older. Along with emotional and social development, a child can also experience physical effects of technology that can possibly be long-term.
The physical symptoms from technology are sometimes overlooked but they are just as relevant as the other developmental effects. The physical complications that can be caused by technology can become long-term if they are not taken care of as soon as possible. Addiction is the biggest concern amongst children who use technology because they will rely on it more than necessary. Once they are addicted to using a tablet, computer, etc., it will be incredibly difficult to get them to adjust to a routine that does not involve technology. Addiction to a tablet can lead to sleep deprivation and the child will act out in anger and become hostile. “Research by psychologists L. Rowell Huesmann, Leonard Eron, and others starting in the 1980s found that children who watched many hours of violence on television when they were in elementary school tended to show higher levels of aggressive behavior when they became teenagers. By observing these participants into adulthood, Huesmann and Eron found that the ones who’d watched a lot of TV violence when they were 8 years old were more likely to be arrested and prosecuted for criminal acts as adults” (American Psychological Association). Acts of violence is one of the many effects that technology can have on children that become long-term. Other setbacks include dyslexia, an increase of mental illness, obesity, and high levels social anxiety which can also be long-term and impossible to reverse. It is critical be aware of these effects because if they go unnoticed, it can limit a child’s successes.
All in all, technology has made a huge impact on the world, regardless of if it is generally good or bad. Although technology has many advantages, the disadvantages of technology is what we need to focus on. By focusing on the disadvantages, there will be a higher demand for more research to be done and there will be more answers to this reoccurring issue. Once there is more definitive research, more people will become aware of how technology could be life-threatening for not just children, but for everyone. Technology is going to continue to grow, so it is best to stay updated and to resolve these concerns once they appear for the safety of children, and for the future.
Reference
American Psychological Association. (2013, November 1). Violence in the media: Psychologists study potential harmful effects. http://www.apa.org/topics/video-games/violence-harmful-effects
Tags: children, development, technology