Parenting in the Digital Age
Hand a device to a toddler and see how long it takes them to figure it out. In a matter of seconds, the child will have successfully unlocked the phone and begun scrolling. Parenting in the digital age and times of technology is undoubtedly a constant struggle of balance.
The positives of technology
Cognitive development allows children to recognize images, correctly answer questions, learn the alphabet and identify numbers. A benefit of technology is that it is easy to focus on concrete detail, provides equal opportunities, and minimizes socioeconomic gaps.
There are many examples of negatives with too much time using technology with young children.
The negatives of technology
- lower attention spans
- increase risk and lack of privacy
- eye strain
- sedentary lifestyle
- diminishes social skills
- reduced the ability to build relationships
- decreased sleep quality
The types of devices children have access to are mind-boggling. Also, according to Pew Research, parenting is harder now. Technology is the cause, at an alarming 71%. Parenting in the digital age is a challenge.
Additionally, Zero to Three states, coping with defiance in early childhood has always been an ongoing issue, but now it is as if a child is overly eager to seek more independence at younger ages. Finally, a child has far from mastered the ability of self-care and is blinded to the fact that they are still driven by their wants, needs, and impulses – not logic and reason.
This blog was created by Brittany Hornbeck, who is a current Child Development Associate (CDA) student with www.CDAClass.org. Brittany works with children for six months at The Tot Spot in Buckhannon, West Virginia as a Lead Teacher. Additionally, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her two daughters, and husband.
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