The Effects of Today’s Communication Technologies on Children

Before creation of the Internet, our social world was typically restricted to people with similar cultural backgrounds that we met at school, work, in our neighborhood or community. With the advent of new technologies that allow us to instantaneously communicate with the rest of the planet, our social circles are widening. But as Facebook, Weibo, YouTube, smart phones and other technologies rapidly change the way we communicate with one another, parents are often confused by the opportunities and risks they present for their children.

Not only are children more susceptible to the influence of new technologies, modern kids are also exposed to the wider world at increasingly younger ages. These days it is no longer uncommon to see young children with their own mobile phone, tablet computer, or a laptop that was assigned to them as a requirement for school assignments. Our present globalized digital world is a dramatic departure from the environment in which all previous generations were raised. As a result, this revolution presents both positive and negative effects on a child’s development.

With a click of a mouse button or tap on a screen, a near limitless amount of information is literally at our fingertips. Today’s communication technologies have the potential to make everyone—our children included—more productive, creative, and technologically savvy. When used effectively, these resources are redefining the way we learn and think about the world. Conversely, they can be used as a crutch that hinders development. For example, problem solving, critical thinking and discussion skills are all diminished if children rely too heavily on quick solutions found via an Internet search. Consequently, it is critically important for parents to play an active role in introducing technology and explaining good practices to their children, as well as monitoring usage over time.

Research shows that today’s kids are increasing their ability to multitask, helping them prepare for challenges later life. Unfortunately this may come at the expense of a shortened attention span. Technology is an easy distraction for children, heightened by the portability of today’s devices. Just think of how often your child checks their phone or computer in the middle of a conversation or a family dinner. Social media in particular has a sense of urgency, distracting adolescents from time that should be set aside for academics, exercise, or family. By minimizing daily screen time for children—TV, computer, or phone—you will maintain a closer parent-child interaction. Too much independence from parents may contribute to your adolescent seeking out sometimes inaccurate advice and support from their peers.

A culturally diverse social circle is very important for the development of modern adolescents. Enhanced cross-cultural collaboration and association between socio-economic backgrounds helps use to understand other perspectives and break down cultural, racial and social barriers. Social media can assist in efforts to reach beyond physical geographic limits; however there are many risks online due to the anonymous nature of digital communication. Children must be taught that the “no talking to strangers” rule applies to interactions online too. Similarly, social media sites are eroding the traditional ideas of what we think of as private vs. public information. As parents, we need to understand these issues for ourselves, before we educate our children on what is appropriate information to post online.

The most important factor in whether communication technology will help or hinder your child’s growth and development is parental control. For parents who are unfamiliar or confused with modern technology, I strongly recommend you follow these steps in order to better understand current trends and enhance your ability to monitor your child’s online interactions:

1.Educate yourself: Learn about today’s communication technologies

2.Learn possible dangers/risks: Understand what children can potentially access without parental monitoring (e.g., adult content, chatting with strangers)

3.Engage parental monitoring/software: Instant messaging software and social media websites all have privacy control options

4.Look for warning signs and red flags: Beware of allowing a child to constantly update their exact location online; many of these services can be accessed by anyone

5.Consider turning off GPS tracking via phones: Smart phones include GPS tracking ability, which means others may learn a wealth of information about your child, so consider having your child switch this function off when not needed

6.Realize you are not alone: Modern technology presents a unique set of challenges that we are all experiencing for the first time; use other parents as resources

While I generally do not recommend giving a child a smart phone until they are in high school, I do believe it can be helpful for children as young as 6 years old to be given a child-friendly mobile phone when they are not with a parent for an extended period of time. These phones, which can call only preprogrammed numbers and very basic buttons, are good for emergencies and parental piece of mind.

References:

Elkind, David. “Technology’s Impact on Child Growth and Development.” CIO, 2003.

Hatch, Kristina E. “Determining the Effects of Technology on Children.” University of Rhode Island, 2011.