Parenting with technology

Does technology impact kids?

Today we visited some friends who have a six year old that practically lives on the iPad. It’s convenient for the parents and of course the child loves the technology. The iPad is the most engaging, absorbing technology for young and old alike. However, it was almost a little alien to us how casual the parents were about their son’s regular use of the iPad. They place very little restriction, which contrasts entirely on the way we monitor our own children.

We are very strict about use of technology in our house. The iPad is used as a reward and limited to 15 minutes usage when awarded. iPhone’s are used as a distraction when absolutely necessary. Even the TV is limited in our house — but sometimes our own rules need to be broken for sanity sake. We haven’t reach the stage where our children will require computers for schoolwork or phones for keeping in contact, however we both feel certain that computers will be located in communal areas in the house rather than located in bedrooms for private use. Jury is still out on how we manage the need and use of a phone, but hopefully we have a few years left, before we ‘cross that bridge’.

What is interesting is that many parents that we know also have a similar dogma when it comes to technology. Why do we feel this way? There have been no studies on how the use of such technology will impact children. Maybe it’s because our children are almost guinea pigs, a social experiment yet to be analysed and the impact will not be known until this generation reaches maturity. Maybe some of us don’t want to take that risk?

There are many conversations taking place on the use of technology for learning as well as fun. Schools have adopted tablets into their curriculum. The Internet is encouraged for research into topics being studied in the classroom. Many of the applications available encourage creativity. Who’s to say this generation will be any worse off than previous generations.

Further to our friend’s son, he is a bright, engaging little boy who is adored and supported by his parents. The reality is that this is likely to be more important in any child’s development and future than the regular use of an iPad.