How much Technology should Kids be Exposed to?

These days children are operating electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, calculators and virtual games at a relatively young age. Simply take a glance around any playground and you will probably not see many kids playing. The overuse of technology by children, is a recent development.

However, I assume it isn’t a surprising one. Apart from the educational technology used in schools, every other technology is introduced to them by their parents and hence it is under the parents’ power to control how much time their kids spend on electronic gadgets. The jump in learning apps has also made education virtual and though this does affect the natural rhythm of learning, its for the parents to decide whether learning via technology is useful for their children or not.  

Here are a few electronic devices that are generally available at home. Make sure your kids are not overexposed to any of these gadgets: 

 

1) Calculators

Kids should be kept away from calculators.  Though its the cheapest form of technology available today, exposing kids to calculators is very dangerous. Not only will this hamper kids’ ability to mentally solve mathematical questions, but it will also make kids dependent on the calculator.   

Since a calculator can provide quick solutions to mathematical problems, kids may prefer using a calculator to do all their calculations (even the simplest ones) rather than physically solving the question. 

 

2) Smartphones

Initially, smartphones were considered to be a technological marvel. Having a smartphone meant having a mini computer, camera and gaming unit all rolled into one small device. The greatest disadvantage of smartphones is that they are very addictive. If adults can get addicted to their smartphones so easily, then it’s a cakewalk for kids to get addicted to these devices as well.

Even if you are extremely busy and can’t devote any time to your kids, think twice before giving your smartphone to your child.  Of all the technology you can give your kids, your smartphone is the most dangerous one. It’s good to teach your kids how to use a smartphone but make sure that kids aren’t stuck to it all day long. 

 

3) Virtual Games

Having virtual gaming technology can be good but only to a certain extent. Playing virtual games can keep kids occupied when the weather is not that great and kids are unable to go outside and play. But do not allow this technology to take a hold of your home. Excessive usage of virtual games can dwindle your child’s interest in playing sports and following an active lifestyle, which could inadvertently make them obese and susceptible to a whole host of medical conditions. 

Overexposure to virtual gaming can make kids anti-social and aggressive as well.  To prevent kids from getting addicted to virtual games, set a strict time limit for them and make sure that both you and  your kids adhere to it.  Doing so can greatly help in reducing the impact of virtual gaming on your children. 

 

4) Laptop/Computers

Children are generally taught how to use computers in school.  A guided usage of this technology can be very helpful for kids as it can help them access and gather information for their assignments/projects and it can make them learn and imbibe information through educational videos and online study materials.  Providing them with an internet connection can also be very helpful and nowadays it has become a necessity.  But make sure you regularly monitor what your kids are doing while surfing the Internet and install an antivirus software on your laptops/computers in order to prevent kids from accessing websites and information that are not meant for them. 

 

A word of advice: Even though technology can provide your children with amazing possibilities, it adversely affects your child’s health as well. While you set a time limit for your kids, set an example for them by limiting your own screen time.  Involve your kids in sports and activities such as painting, singing, and dancing in order to keep them away from electronic devices. 

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