Technology is here to stay. Our kids are digital natives and technology is and will be the way they learn, communicate, play and share their passions.
Denying this is like saying man didn’t land on the moon….oh hang on…that’s up for debate too isn’t it?
A recent article we read by Cris Rowan, a blogger, occupational therapist and biologist blew our socks off with its anti-tech stance.
The title is: 10 reasons why handheld devices should be banned for children under the age of 12.
Ok people, breathe. It’s ok.
It’s called tech shaming and we have our own facts about the impact of technology and young people.
We also respect the fact that you are good parents and you believe that balance is the key, monitoring is your motto and quality is the answer.
And don’t worry; we have our own Tech Expert. And she has loads degrees and everything. Plus, she is a mum.
Dr. Kristy Goodwin, teacher and kids technology and brain researcher believes that rather than fearing or banning technology, we should engage in healthy, safe and even educational ways to help kids learn and develop.
She believes technology has a place in every home. While Kristy thinks that babies under 12 months should have ‘laps, not apps’, she is an advocate of older kids using technology.
In defense of technology, here is what Kristy says:
- Using handheld devices can lead to sleep issues, but only if they are used at the wrong times. Dr. Kristy recommends 90 minutes of screen free time before bed, for everyone.
- Childhood obesity is a serious problem, but we can’t place the blame completely on technology and media use. Families and schools need to work together to tackle the issue in a holistic fashion.
- Research has not shown that digital devices diminish executive functioning skills or impair attention skills.
- Teaching healthy media habits is essential. Banning technology is not a logical solution.
- High-speed media has been accused of causing ADHD in children. There is no scientific evidence to support this. Children with ADHD are more likely to be attracted to fast-paced games, not the other way around.
- Most kids aren’t addicted to technology. It’s up to parents to monitor kids and set parameters around media use.
Finally, Dr. Kristy says, “We have ample and increasing evidence to confirm that when technology is used intentionally and in developmentally-appropriate ways that young children’s learning and development can actually be enhanced, not hampered by technology.”
Read more of Kristy’s article here.
There has always been negativity around new technology, especially in regards to games.
In 1859, Scientific American reported, “Chess is a mere amusement of a very inferior character, which robs the mind of valuable time that might be devoted to nobler acquirements.”
So, haters always be hatin’.
Let’s not fear technology, lets embrace it and be smart about it.
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