Children’s Development at Harm by Digitized Technologies.

G O L D E N
Sep 5, 2018 · 18 min read

Abstract

This research paper’s purpose is to source reputable information that discusses the harm done by computers in a child’s present and future life. Problems researched by Doctors, and Scholars will be quoted and used as evidence to support this study and information that has been investigated. Problems investigated are; physical, and mental development flaws, and serious detrimental social consequences with the prolonged use of a computer in a child’s life. Multiple major findings in the mental sector of this research were, stress, anxiety, poor educational standings, and the inability to do simple extended tasks.Multiple major findings in the physical sector of this research were, joint conditions, chronic back and neck pains, loss of muscle, lower immune system. This research paper will then conclude my opinion of this topic, along with practical resolutions to prevent, and or treat such conditions.

Research Question : Is a child’s development helped or harmed by digitized technology?

The appeal of technology has grown over the past 10 years. Starting from the home computer where one can type documents, to code their very own online store in a few hours, to the handheld ‘Smart Phone’ Where the basic output of a computer is now available in your hands with the touch of a button and Wifi of course. The world is expanding in many ways possible, from the development of phone apps that creates budgets, to kid friendly games with a swipe of a screen. However, the technology world is also depleting in many ways that are being overlooked. Many parents too are concerned asking the question that has inspired new research and studies; “are children at harm while using digitized technologies?”. Many will argue that there is no harm, There are plenty of viral video showcasing the good in technology, usually depicting a happy baby with an iPAD teaching the adult how to use it. However recent studies throughout the years are now surfacing and there are a lot of red and yellow flags that can hinder a child’s developmental stage mentally, physically, and socially.

According to reviewed research published in a journal by the Child and Family Studies in California State University in Los Angeles, children are being harmed by digitized technologies. Even though the rise of technology is in good heart this epidemic has grown children into troubled dependency in technology. When a national survey was performed on children ages 8–18 they were asked to choose a medium they would bring on a desert island, more children chose a computer with internet over the other mediums. (Rideout,Foehr,Roberts, & Brodie, 1999). Between the year. According to ‘PARENTS’ Magazine children benefit from computer usage in the classroom which enhances the curriculum and allows children to developing their basic computer skills. Which is all fine and dandy, however there must be a limit to the usage of computers for children when the desire to watch TV is being directing into the use of internet, and video games. All sounds harmless until you factor in the filter children are now exposed to ( k.subrahmanyam et al. 2001).

Context & History

According to K. Subrahmanyam, research in regards to technology and children had a rapid interest in the 1990’s presenting data from HomeNet project led by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University which their study went from 1995–1998 focusing on household usage. Such research has been used to determine whether internet usage should be encouraged or discouraged. Over 2 years data including questionnaires, survey and tracking have allowed an in depth insight to the conclusion. Studies show that computers were being used majorly by boys ages 10–19 on surfing the web and playing video games. Of course at this time, videogames were on the rise, and one might argue were very graphic filled with violence, and appalling preconditioning acts. For example, 58% were boys who accessed the computer over the 48% of girls, due to the fact during this year Nintendo and Sega launched a lot of products that appealed more to boys, than girls. From this the study became more in depth and gathered more information stating that boys are more desensitized than girls due to the overexposure and usage of video games and findings on the internet which included sexual content, and violence. Another supporting research journal published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, found that sixth-graders who went five days without exposure to technology were significantly better at reading human emotions than kids who had regular access to phones, televisions and computers. The study then expanded in dividing two groups of children ages 11–12 allowing both groups to attend a camp, while one group had access to computers. Patricia Greenfield, a senior author of the study and a reputable professor of psychology at UCLA concluded that “We were pleased to get an effect after five days,” says “We found that the kids who had been to camp without any screens but with lots of those opportunities and necessities for interacting with other people in person improved significantly more.” The integration of simulating life in technology and video games is harming users and neglected the emotional/ and cognitive growth and development which in turn will result in unbalanced behaviours and irradical experiences in the real world.

Depletion in Cognitive Skills

When something goes under research or some type of understanding there is arguably a reason on why it’s being questioned. In this case Children and Technology have been under research and surveillance since the dawn of technology, but on personal record since 1990, but surely dating back to at least 1960 from the television can be stated as well. Debates highlighting media/technology in the early childhood development, ultimately have a negative impact on the child. The simple availability of T.V was associated with the delayed development of verbal skills and the amount of effort applied to academic tasks. As studies show there are dangerous effects that should be taken highly in the development of the cognitive skills in a child. It is not understood worldwide that the early effects and sensitivities children are exposed to that can decrease their skills in the future of their lifetime. Recent survey with 1,000 parents who have at least one computer and one child ages 8–17 in their household, results shown that 70% of parents thought that the internet is a good exposure to fascinating things. This statistic alone showcasing the neglect and ignorance parents have towards technology and their children should be alarming and eye opening to the fact that society has implemented the promising results of entertainment within technology yet, the concern of development is merely present.(Wartella,Jennings, 2000). The reliance of technology in children takes a huge effect on their ability to think and do for themselves independently. According to Chris Rowan, a Pediatric occupational therapist, biologist, speaker, and author has pointed out that, children now rely on technology for the majority of their play, grossly limiting challenges to their creativity and imaginations, as well as limiting necessary challenges to their bodies to achieve optimal sensory and motor development…Hard-wired for high speed, today’s young are entering school struggling with self regulation and attention skills necessary for learning, eventually becoming significant behavior management problems for teachers in the classroom. Another point to support that technology is harming the cognitive state of a child can be taken into fact that when a child is exposed to violence on tv, video games etc, the body naturally releases adrenaline. Studies revealed that too much adrenaline in a child is unnatural, unsafe, and puts them in a stressful/anxious state. Ultimately leaving the child brain permanently altered, and impaired. Alarming stats should push parents, and society to limit, even diminish technology for home use until the teenage years. The impact of technology on the cognitive development of a child have not yet evolved fast enough for the biological makeup of a children’s brain to absorb in their growing years. and should be taken in strides.

Concern With Physical Development

Some cities, are growing in concern that their children’s usage of the internet, and video games will cause alarming effects on their physical growth. As videogames and electronic entertainment culture continues to grow and work their way into children’s lives, health related issues are growing within the same community as well. Studies show children are more likely to suffer from obesity, in fact the rate has tripled over the past 20 years since technology has been rapidly growing. According to livestrong.com, fifteen percent of children between six and nineteen years old can be considered overweight, with twice as many on the brink of as well. This rapid growth epidemic has been linked to both food diet, and mostly the lack of exercise, which has been consumed with the usage of technology. Children are more likely to play video games, than go outside and be active and play sports. This lifestyle children are now growing up into will definitely harm their health physically over the years.“Teens manipulate a joystick instead of a baseball bat. The television has become a constant companion, replacing outside play” (Livestrong.com). With the replacement of reality, into virtual reality, children now are running in videos games instead of running in real life. Such a replacement using technology is harmful for a child’s physical developmental growth. Lack of activity is proven, to create harmful physical consequences in the future.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that young children spend a maximum of one to two hours of screen time 22 per day, but this suggestion is not being adhered to. With the freewill of technology usage children are in fact, in a way, parenting themselves, such slackness of parenting, and guidance should not be shy away from. The rapidly increasing use of technology and media has a drastic negative effect on children’s physical development according to British Columbia’s Society of Occupational Therapist. In their 2009 newsletter they reported: “Children now rely on technology for the majority of their play, grossly limiting necessary challenges to their bodies in order to achieve optimal sensory and motor development… with subsequent impact on achieving basic foundation skills necessary for literacy” (Conrad, D.B n.d). Over the many years children sickness and diseases have been recorded at an all time high. Taking away the hereditary diseases and conditions, children in fact are more aggressive, anxious, and unable to do simple tasks for a long time. (k.Subrahmanyam 2001). With such statistics, and research results support that children are first handedly being harmed by digitized technology. Physical activity, and equal balance of sensory stimulation are crucial to a healthy developed child.

Social Development & Relationships

When sensory stimulation in a child’s growing years affects their social development and relationships with other beings. Taking tin the fact when children use technology, most use it for videogames,movies, and surfing the web. With such content being exposed to children at such a young age, one can argue that the choices they make are not age appropriate. Technology has completely changed the way everyone communicates, including children. According to a recent study released by Pew, electronic media does not cause social isolation, however, it has completely changed the way Americans define their social circles and friends. Those who use social networking are 30% less likely to know their neighbors, and 26% less likely to provide them with companionship. Simple companionship development in early children years are the basic structure to their social ways in the future. Already at such an early age children are more secluded, and are not willing to have any human interaction, rather interaction using technology. The motivation of starting relationships and developing communication skills are now being replaced with videogames, and the lack of desire to build healthy relationships. Children especially have been using technology to cope with situations that may make them feel emotionally stressful. Hiding behind the digital wall, makes children deal with situations that they wouldn’t want to face, such as ending relationships, and even bullying. Technology is being used as an escape route to avoid, situations and problems creating a wall, when in time they are adults are unable to solve simple problems such as a disagreement. Further confirmation of these facts, Pew Research Center found that half of American teenagers — defined in the study as ages 12 through 17 — send 50 or more text messages a day and that one third send more than 100 a day. The teens being surveyed then stated,they were more likely to use their cellphones to text friends than to call them. Fifty-four percent said they text their friends once a day, but only 33 percent said they talk to their friends face-to-face on a daily basis. Jeffrey G. Parker, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, who has been studying children’s friendships since the 1980s supports the fact that close childhood friendships help kids build trust in people outside their families and consequently help lay the groundwork for healthy adult relationships. “These good, close relationships — we can’t allow them to wilt away. They are essential to allowing kids to develop poise and allowing kids to play with their emotions, express emotions, all the functions of support that go with adult relationships.” Replacing technology with groundbreaking social developmental relationships with screes, violence, sex, and other graphics sensitivities that negatively affect a child’s life should be taken into grave consideration on limiting and eliminating technology use for children. You simply cannot replace human interactions and experiences with videograms, and phones. Negative effects are now being documented and further tested/researched, soon the deadly truth of technology and the harm it has for children will be more known worldwide.

Defects Children will Face

Considering the scholarly reputable research being conducted on children and it’s harm with technology, a lot of reputable journalists, doctors, and newscasts are now becoming aware of such circumstances. Major defects on reality are misguided and corrupt with the use of virtual video games, and phone apps being used by children. The fact that increasing studies are coming out with results that alter a child’s reality is alarming and not natural. A shift of society is happening and soon the reality with change with it. Take in a fact, if a child is always playing Call of Duty games day by day, before after school or before bed time, how would their reality be seen in the real world after such mental stimulation to the brain? Studies support brain impairment, aggression, and lack of attention skills. The environment being created by kids, for kids are not safe or smart. A future population of millennials who have low self esteem, mental conditions, and physical problems will result in failed businesses, relationships, and even a increase in suicide for not being able to cope. Violence will increase within children, and they will take it into their environments such as school, home, the playground etc. Social Media too is increasing this behaviour by diminishing the opportunity to develop deep relationships, instantaneous characters will too take over the brain creating impatience, addiction, and the unfulfillment of love. Already children are showcasing such actions, and development such conditions. A immediate stop needs to happen to initiate the healing process children will need now, and in the future. A balance of technology use must be regulated, the way alcohol is regulated to protect children from addiction, and suicide. The internet is a fascinating place, however too much of one thing will eventually kill.

Solutions

It’s important to come together as a whole, teachers, doctors, corporations, parents, and other to wake society up from the dangerous slumber. The devastating effects of technology is inhibiting children to grow and develop healthy. The physical, psychological and behavioural strain technology has on children is inhibiting their ability to learn and sustain meaningful relationships. Of course technology will always continue to move forward, knowledge of the detrimental effects, and proactive actions to balance the use of technology again should too grow, and move forward with technology. The derived senses of deep feelings, emotions, and physical activities need to be attended to, to balance the corruption technology has instilled on children. With the good comes the bad, and now balance of technology needs to rise for the sake of children, and the future ahead. Solutions to reverse the harm done on children should help teach children good habits, awareness, and problem solving skills. Parents, and teachers should not allow technology in the class rooms, or around the dinner table; This will teach children the value of balance, providing that they do get to use technology once in awhile- but not all the time. Schools should develop computer courses where children can learn the good, and bad about technology and the aspects of using them in their daily life. This will allow children to be aware of what technology really is and the effects it has. Another helpful solution is more social courses teaching children about relationships, and the value of what comes from them. Children need to be aware that their feelings and burdens are the same thing others maybe going through, knowing the internet is not a smart solution can involve children to further strengthen their skills in the developmental stage. Constitutions need to be aware that they too have a responsibility of growing children into successful, and charismatic human beings. Such an implement in the school system will be both beneficial to parents, and corporations as these children will work for them one day. The government has an important responsibility to ensure, children are prepared physically emotionally and mentally to work, and improve the companies, and well beings of others. If everyone is unstable, violent, suffering from addiction, and are unable to solve their daily problems, they will never be able to work, or improve their own life of living. It crucial to take in the important facts of the harm technology has on children, and it is also an equal fact to do something about this rising problem.

Annotative Bibliography

A., & A. (2012, November 01). Computers and child development. Retrieved June 09, 2017, from http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/News/NewsAndFeatures/Pages/Computers-and-child-development.aspx

The trend to own a computer in the homes and schools is far ahead of the research that explains it. In 1993, political members of Canada created and implemented the ‘computers for schools initiative (CFS). All public government funded school were equipped with computers however parents are getting worried that technologies were being added to their lives in such an abrupt way.Now, in question parents are asking are computers harmful for their children? In general research, the risks associated with children’s computer use are.inappropriate activities, child aggression,desensitization, repetitive stress injuries, development of musculoskeletal disorders, Low tolerance for anger/frustration,and an ordeal more. However it is unlikely that over the next years that will change due to the minimal amounts of years educational computers have just entered society. In conclusion, it’s unfortunate that the government aids financially; an increasing amount more to computers, than to art and music. Which in turn affects school budget, neglecting both books and art programs.It’s okay to experience computers on occasion- like home, however it should not take over a child’s life.

Wace, C. (2015, January 27). Don’t put your kids at risk: Experts warn of dangers with children using technology. Retrieved June 09, 2017, from http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/554497/Toddlers-risk-dangers-technology

This article talks about infants as young as 18 months that can teach many adults how to use an iPAD. Parents think now that if kids are exposed to iphones and other technologies now, will be easier for them in the future.” It will be hard for Chloe to get a job if she doesn’t know how to use this type of technology,” explains Ewelina Krzysztofik, a mom from London, UK. However Dr. Richard Graham says that tablets and phones can have a significant effect on younger children. He also states “I’ve heard of children who have gone to school able to find video content on a computer but who cannot use a pair of scissors or tie their shoelaces,” says Dr Graham. “So one can really see the necessity for balance.”. Alongside these negative impacts that children can face, they too can face severe anxiety and loss of concentration due to the flashing bright lights from the video games they play. The list gets longer, weaker adults in the future due to bad posture and lack of muscles leading to nerve damage and sleep loss. Overall as technology use increases within the children community efforts to prevent further damaged should be taken by minimizing the usage.

Statistics- American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Retrieved June 09, 2017, from http://www.computer-vision-syndrome.org/statistics/

AOA, In reference introduces the a serious eye condition called CVs; a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer use. Computer Vision Syndrome. Established by The American Optometric Association listed are the statistics of those who have this condition listing the symptoms people will experience while the condition develops. These symptoms can be everyday symptoms such as, blurry eyes, headaches, fatigue,neck and shoulder pain. It advises those who may have these symptoms to go to their family doctors and seek treatment. Reports also state 16 patients get diagnosed a month for this condition

Konerman, T. (2014, February 18). Negative Effects of Computers on Children. Retrieved June 12, 2017, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/85306-negative-effects-computers-children/

In this Article written by Tanya Konerman, she gathers research and talks about the negative effects of computers on children. Mentioned in this article are the unseen effects on children’s health, mental and physical development. Shes uses statistics and researched information conducted by Common Sense Media, Cris Rowan, and the United States Department of Commerce. She then also talks about the internet predators that can lure children into harm, and the desensitization that comes along with it.

Ehlers, J. (2014, February 04). Are Computers Good for Kids? Retrieved June 12, 2017, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/154576-why-are-computers-good-for-kids/

In this article Joanna Ehlers talks about to pros and cons about computer use in early aged children. She uses sources such as, Kidshealth.org and Parents Magazine. This article talks about the unwanted child predators online who can access playing videogames with children. Computer safety should be taken seriously due to the cons of internet usage such as; Stress, anxiety, joint conditions and decrease in character development. With the help of Kidshealp.org Ehlers then goes on to talking about the strategies to provide a safety net for children while surfing the other ways of preventing such conditions on a child. Which includes, physical exercise, firewall computer protections, and children awareness of the dangers of the internet and its consequences if used wrong.

Conrad, D. B. (n.d.). Media Statistics — Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games. Retrieved June 12, 2017, from http://www.techaddiction.ca/media-statistics.html

In this article Dr Brent Conrad, a Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction talks about the media statistics when it comes to children and the use of technologies, such as TV, Internet and videogames. He goes into talking about parents being unaware of the amounts their children have access and use these technologies on a day to day basis. He goes into statistics about how many hours a day children to young adults spend time on them comparing usage and age gaps between the groups.Concluding the article Conrad then compares modern technology with music development within the educational system.

Subrahmanyam, K., Greenfield, P., Kraut, R., & Gross, E. (2001). The impact of computer use on children’s’ and adolescents development. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 22(1), 7–30. doi:10.1016/s0193–3973(00)00063–0

This Journal, written by 4 scholars introduces and reviews research linked to children and adolescents using technology. More specifically the useage of home computers and how it goes to effect their daily lives. Dat54e presented in this journal are statistics and factors that influence the statistics such as gender, race and ethnicity. The impact of the home computer is then reviewed using research on the social development academic development, relationships, behaviours and perceptions of reality. Concluded in this journal are specifics and advice that will benefit future study on the impact of youth and technology.

Jones, S. (2013). Playing the Fields of Eden. In The serpent’s promise (pp. 120–129). Canada: Doubleday Canada.

This book breaks down the genetic codes, and discoveries of the Bible using science. Within the chapter “Play the fields of Eden”, Steve Jones, a Genetics specialist, talks about the discoveries of genetics found in education within children and adults. A key fact noted in this chapter was that the use of technology at a young age, shown to either enhance or decrease a child’s ability to learn and grow within their DNA.There is a DNA code that children carry from their parent and can be tapped into given different circumstances. Where the nurture vs nature topics is addressed with factual events in different parts of the world. Which brings up the topic of how a child can educationally strive from different backgrounds of society.

References

  1. Wolpert, S. (2014, August 21). In our digital world, are young people losing the ability to read emotions? Retrieved June 12, 2017, from http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/in-our-digital-world-are-young-people-losing-the-ability-to-read-emotions
  2. Jones, S. (2013). Playing the Fields of Eden. In The serpent’s promise (pp. 120–129). Canada: Doubleday Canada.
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  4. Conrad, D. B. (n.d.). Media Statistics — Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games. Retrieved June 12, 2017, from http://www.techaddiction.ca/media-statistics.html
  5. Konerman, T. (2014, February 18). Negative Effects of Computers on Children. Retrieved June 12, 2017, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/85306-negative-effects-computers-children/
  6. Ehlers, J. (2014, February 04). Are Computers Good for Kids? Retrieved June 12, 2017, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/154576-why-are-computers-good-for-kids/
  7. Statistics- American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Retrieved June 09, 2017, from http://www.computer-vision-syndrome.org/statistics/
  8. Wace, C. (2015, January 27). Don’t put your kids at risk: Experts warn of dangers with children using technology. Retrieved June 09, 2017, from http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/554497/Toddlers-risk-dangers-technology
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