Is technology really helping your kids grow? Are they really safe while making use of this technology?
Technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. We use it for communication, work, education, entertainment, and many other purposes. It is hard to imagine living without it.
While technology can be very beneficial, it can also harm children if used unsupervised or uncontrolled manner. Children are very curious and can easily get sucked into the online world without realizing the dangers that exist.
There are many ways in which technology can help kids grow.
For example, it can help them develop new skills and knowledge, stay connected with friends and family, and express themselves creatively. However, some risks are associated with technology use, such as cyberbullying, online predators, and addiction. It is important to monitor your child's technology use and ensure they use it safely and responsibly.
What Parents should do?
Parents should set limits or boundaries on how much access their kids have towards technology. There are many software's which can be used for parental controls and blocking certain sites. Within these boundaries, a child is open to explore the world of technology and knowledge. Chatting app's also make the kids vulnerable to cyber bullying ,parents should ensure that the kids refrain from engaging in random conversations with strangers. Online Games are becoming really popular nowadays.Every other child is seen engaged in some or the other game. Many games come with an inbuilt chat system. Kids could be sharing their personal information over these handles without even knowing.Also with games becoming more interesting and addictive than ever, children have started preferring online games rather than outdoor sports. Teenage is the age where a child should develop physically and mentally. For this a child should step out of the house, indulge in outdoor sports, indulge in some fun activities rather than being a lazy-bone. Most children say that they know everything about technology, but they really don’t. They may know how to use a few devices or apps, but they don’t really understand how they work or how to fix them if they break or the danger behind some of them.
Many children think they can just ask Google anything and get a correct answer, but that’s not always the case. It’s important for parents to talk to their kids about responsible internet use and how to tell if something is true or not. Many articles and videos online can help parents teach their kids about responsible internet use.
Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative A recent study by Princeton University found that the kids who mostly communicate online are found to be experiencing more loneliness and depression, which is so visible. Many times we often try to end a conversation through chatting itself, not even trying to make a call. Meeting in person to talk is a far-sighted thing. This really doesn't help grow an individual with his communication skills.
Social Media
Social Media has been with us for quite some time, and it is hard to keep it away. From school-going kids to elderly people, everyone seems to have been associated with social media. Adults can spend some time on social media, but kids have yet to achieve something. If they indulge in social media early on, they will divert from their goals. Social Media is not always bad, but the everyday notifications of other people's lives do help the mood swings and hinder the motivation to do something.
Conclusion
There needs to be a strong connection between the child and the parent because the child will respect the parent's advice and wouldn't try to do something foolish. If used within its limits, technology is a man's most incredible tool. Still, if we misuse it, it can lead to severe consequences. At the end of the day, taking the required precaution is always better than waiting for the problem to arise!