Monday, February 13, 2017

 

Technology—what a great tool it can be.  Personal devices are continually evolving to be faster, smaller, and more user-friendly.  Infinite information is available on the web or in the cloud with just a click or a swipe.  Social media keeps us connected in ways no one could ever have imagined through photos, tweets, and blogs.  We can do more, see more, hear more—but is more really better?  Or is more too much?

 

While all of this connectivity and access to information has many advantages, it is important to be aware of some potential disadvantages.  Many studies are finding that children and adolescents are increasingly becoming addicted to their devices.  This addiction manifests as not being able to disconnect from their devices to give their minds, and bodies, some down time without a screen and without pressure to constantly be “on” with their peers.  Often, events of the day, that prior to cellphones and social media, could be left behind at school, follow children home, increasing anxiety and cutting into family time and time that could be/should be spent on other activities, such as completing homework or participation in sports or other recreation.

 

Students often report lack of sleep because they have spent hours on-line playing games or participating in marathon group phone calls or texting sessions.  Unfortunately, their decisions to engage in these types of activities follow students back to school the following day in the form of lethargy and crankiness in classes and frequently “drama” (in forms of miscommunications and hurt feelings) from the previous night’s conversations and/or social media postings.

 

As with other parts of their lives, students need boundaries when using technology.  Some types of boundaries include setting time limits on use of phones, computers, gaming devices, and time spent on social media sites, removing or disabling these devices after a certain time in the evening, and routinely checking and monitoring your child’s social media sites and cellphone usage.  Perhaps the best and most effective way of ensuring your child’s responsible and healthy use of technology is to model those behaviors for him/her. Taking time to discuss these issues with your child is a great way to connect with your child—no special technology required.