TECHNOLOGY AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2
Technology and Child Development
When you walk in most schools and homes today, the first thing you may observe is a big
screen television, a desk top and/or laptop computer, video consoles and cell phones that operate
the same as if you have a computer in your hand. Children have access and utilize technology
continually at school, at home, at the library and at friends’ homes [Bav10]. This onslaught of
technology can be both positive and negative.
Children are subjected to technology as early as infancy. Parents may turn on an
educational show to occupy their child. An infant’s attention may gravitate to the sights and
sounds of the television or a video game. This does not mean that it is healthy to put a child in
front of the television. An infant is not necessarily learning anything from the show, but just
reacting to the lights and sound. Some studies have linked watching a substantial amount of
television as a small child with attention difficulties as they get older [Bro153]. An overload of
exposure to technology at this age can impede the imaginations and expose them to inappropriate
material and my stop them from participating in enough physical activities [Ihm17]. In contrast
some video games can be learning tools. As a child gets older thy tend to learn more watching
educational shows and participating in educational video games. This has been associated with a
higher academic success by adolescents [Bro153]. Studies have shown that incorporating
technology in early education can have positive impact on cognitive, social and emotional
learning in children [Ihm17].
In what ways does technology influence adolescents and their sense of identity? Does it
affect the interpersonal relationships that they are engaged in? During the adolescent period
children are developing social relationships and testing the waters of who they are. According to
Erickson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development, this is a time when teens need to develop a
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sense of self and personal identity [Bro153]. Social media and cell phones are front and center in
an adolescent’s relationships and how they navigate them. In developing this sense of self
adolescents look to their parents and their peers. They may adopt a sense of self from watching
and modeling their parents and they begin to place more importance on this peer groups [Dav13].
Technology has introduced new framework in the way that adolescents form their identity. A
large part of who we are is based on our experiences and these experiences are greatly influenced
by technology which can affect cognitive development [Bav10].
Social media has become a way that adolescents express their thought sand explore their
identity. They can explore different areas and become who they want depending on the platform
that they are utilizing. This can be positive as they receive feedback and endorsement from
others and in turn this can also be negative if they are solely relying on the feedback and
validation to solidify who they are.
It is the responsibility of parents, caregivers and educators to work together to ensure that
children are aware of positive and negative impacts of technology. In the digital age parents must
understanding the role that they play. Supervision when using the internet is a must. Schools and
parents should utilize programs that block inappropriate web sites and information [Ihm17].
Parents should also monitor the amount of television that children watch as well as the content of
what television shows they are watching. Ground rules should be established regarding the use of
technology including cell phones. For example, a rule of no cell phones at the dinner table may
be appropriate for the family. Parents should also model the correct behavior in using
technology.
A good book for parents to read is How to find balance and benefit in your child’s use of
social media, apps, and digital devices by Jode Gold and Tory Burch. This book helps parents
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to determine how and at what age different uses of technology are appropriate. While it is based
on scientific research, it provides practical ways for a parent to navigate and set boundaries for
children and the entire family. Knowing how much time a child should be watching television is
a key discussion, as is how technology is going to affect children social, emotionally and
cognitively. It also suggests apps and websites that are educational and suitable for children.
Cyber Safety from the help of your friend animals by Dulce M. Valdiva is a great book for
young readers on being safe when they are using technology. At a basic level the book discusses
internet safety. It urges its reader to tell a trusted adult if something on line feels uncomfortable
and not to feel pressured to do anything that they do not want to do. It discusses passwords and
not sharing these with others, emails and how to protect videos and pictures on the internet. This
is a great book that young readers can identify with. The art work and animals will keep the
attention of the reader while getting the message across to the reader.
The web site empoweringparents.com is a great resource that parents should utilize to
educate themselves on internet safety, appropriate video games and setting boundaries for
technology in their homes. This web site offers online learning programs, online parent coaching
and many articles that are written by professionals and other parents to give advice and offer
solutions for many parenting issues to include technology. This web site provides parents easy
and quick access to articles that can education them and refer them to other sources on the
subject that they are concerned about.
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation The Virginia Beach
Recreation Centers is a great resource that can provide activities for the entire family. There are
seven facilities located throughout the city. The cost for residents is low and several payment
options, including reduced if eligible, are available. The facilities offer many classes and events
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that can be done individually or as a family. This is a great way for the family to unplug from
technology and engage in physical activities. The facilities offer many types of activities from
physical fitness classes, movie in the pool nights, crafting and card and board games events. All
these activities help to keep the balance between technology and face to face interactions with
our families and with others in a social setting.
Modern technology provides many opportunities to learn and grow. It allows people to
connect in ways that they other wise would not be able to. This provides a means to educate
each other on other culture and societies that are miles away - in the click of a button. It also is a
convenient way to keep in touch with family members that live far away. While technology can
be a benefit, it can also have a negative impact. Technology can make both parents and children
impatient because they are used to jumping on the internet and finding the answer quickly. It can
have children constantly staring at a television, computer or cell phone screen. It can limit verbal
conversation by utilizing emails and text to communicate. Limiting the time allowed on
computers and cell phones is a great boundary to set. Having face to face conversations with our
children and families is an important way to stay connected to each other and what is going on
with each other. Balance is the key in using technology in a positive manner.
References
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Bavelier, D., Green, C. S., & Dye, M. W. (2010, September 9). Chlden, wired - for better and for
worse. Neuron, 67(5), 692-701. doi:10.10.1016/j.neuron.2010.08.035
Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span; Human development for helping
professionals. New York: Pearson.
Davis, K. (2013). Young people's digital lives: The impact of interpersonal relationships and
digital media use on adolescents' sense of identity. Computers in Human Behavior, 29,
2281-2293. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2013.05.022
Ihmeideh, F., & Alkhawaldeh, M. (2017). Teachers' and parents' perceptions of the role of
technology and digital media in developing child culture in the early years. Chldren and
Youth Services Review, 77, 139-146. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.04.013
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