StressedMum
Concerns around the impact of video games on children began in the 80s. For reasons including motion sickness from first-person views to headaches from staring too long at a monitor to increased levels of aggression, supposedly from accessing high-speed and high-violence scenes. Parents, tutors and medical experts were worried, and they still are.
With the rise of the internet and social media, many of these concerns have taken a new form. Smartphones have made the internet more accessible. So, what is wrong with that? After all, technology has made our lives better in many ways.
While using technology to improve the methodologies at schools is innovation and evolution. Many use tablets and smartphones to distract children and make them more compliant. Even instead of a babysitter when both parents are unavailable for shorter periods.
Have we become too complacent when it comes to our children?
Table of Contents
ToggleIf we take a trip back to the 1980s, parents and experts began to worry about the impact of TV screens and computer games on children’s well-being. Media coverage brought attention to stories of kids spending hours glued to their screens, neglecting schoolwork and social interactions. The fear that technology was isolating children from the real world fuelled these concerns further.
The media significantly highlighted these issues, creating a sense of urgency and prompting discussions among parents, educators, and health professionals.
It became clear that technology posed risks when not used responsibly. Leading to ongoing debates about how much screen time is appropriate for children and how best to address these concerns while embracing technology’s benefits.
In 1999, panic reached new heights. The Columbine Massacre received much attention when it was revealed that the two students who opened fire were fans of violent video games.
This followed previous events from 1998 when Grand Theft Auto was released. Considered the most violent video game of its time. The idea now that a birds-eye view video game was responsible for the Columbine Massacre would be ridiculed today.
However, correlation does not equal causation. Had the two students responsible for the Columbine Massacre been superfans of the Goosebumps novels, could one argue that reading perpetuates violence?
Looking deeper into the events that have predated the situation, many other questions were raised such as: What can be said about the environment in which these boys were raised? Why were young children playing violent video games with a ‘Mature’ rating anyway? And for how long have they been exposed to this? How much one-on-one attention did they receive from their caregivers? Or were they left alone to care for themselves?
These same questions are just as relevant today as they were then.
As a child growing up in the digital age, it is hard to escape technology’s impact. From smartphones to tablets, these devices have become an integral part of our world.
But what effect does this constant exposure to technology have on their behaviour? Research suggests that excessive screen timeAMP can lead to behavioural changes in children. It has been found that children who spend more time on screens are more likely to exhibit symptoms of attention problems and impulsivity. Additionally, increased technology use has been linked to decreased social skills and increased aggression.
However, the keyword in these findings cannot be overlooked. “Excessive” anything is bad for us, even water.
Similar studies in children exposed to moderate screen time show completely different results, which shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Another factor that is often overlooked is the personality and development of the child. Kids with autism, for example, are more sensitive to external influences and stimuli, so it’s key to consider their maturity and what is suitable for their needs. The best people to make those decisions are the parents.
The link between technology and addiction is a growing concern. Tech companies purposely design features to keep us engaged. Whether through algorithms, infinite scrolling, notifications or game loot boxes, they are a business looking to profit.
As you spend more time engaging in these activities, dopamine levels in your brain are affected. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure and reward. When you receive notifications or engage with content on social media, dopamine is released, creating a sense of satisfaction. This can lead to addictive and compulsive behaviours as you constantly seek out that pleasurable feeling.
This view of dependence stems from the disease model of addiction, which stipulates that addiction is caused by changes in the brain that are chronic and persistent.
While many can agree that compulsive pleasure-seeking activities can lead to dependence, it is also very clear that others do not suffer from obsessive, compulsive desires despite engaging in reward-seeking behaviours.
If technology was the cause of addiction, everyone who owns a smartphone would fall victim to this phenomenon. But they don’t, which raises questions about what else might be a contributing factor.
Studies show that addiction and mental health problems often co-exist, and many respected physicians have studied this over the last few decades. Perhaps there is something to be said about using technology as a coping mechanism for emotional pain. After all, many compulsive behaviours, including gambling, have been growing concerns since smartphones came into existence.
A combination of factors needs to be considered alongside educating parents on the importance of delayed gratification, moderation and self-esteem in children.
Spotting signs of tech addiction in kids can be challenging. It’s important to pay attention to changes in behaviour and mood that may indicate excessive screen time.
As a parent or caregiver, you want your child to feel like they belong and are part of something bigger. They naturally want to fit in with their friends and peers, especially in this digital age.
However, watching for signs that your child may be struggling with addiction is crucial. Look for increased irritability or restlessness when they are away from screens, neglecting other activities or responsibilities, withdrawal from family and friends, or difficulty controlling their screen time.
Depression and anxiety can also fuel addiction. Noticing that your child is preoccupied with their phone or repeatedly checking it for updates could be a sign of escapism.
Another red flag is sleep disturbance. If you notice changes in sleep patterns or excessive tiredness, it could be a sign that your child is staying up late.
Effective parental strategies can help prevent and address excessive screen time in kids. As a parent, creating a sense of belonging and connection within the family is important. Encouraging open communication is key.
Take the time to talk with your child about their interests and engage in activities that foster a sense of togetherness. Set clear boundaries and establish consistent rules regarding screen time usage. Doing so provides structure and guidance for your child while also allowing them to develop healthy habits around technology.
Be a positive role model by limiting your own screen time and demonstrating alternative ways to spend leisure time. Remember, creating an environment where your child feels included and supported can greatly reduce the likelihood of excessive screen time becoming an issue.
Encouraging your child to engage in physical activities. Like playing outside or participating in sports helps them build strong bodies and develop coordination.
In addition, fostering social connections through playdates or joining clubs allows children to interact with peers, develop communication skills, and build friendships.
And finally, engaging in activities like reading books together or exploring creative outlets can also enhance their emotional development.
In conclusion, it’s clear that technology plays a significant role in the development and behaviour of children, but negative outcomes are linked to excessive use of technology.
While there are concerns about addiction, it’s important to recognise that technology itself is not solely to blame: the responsibility should always be on the parents to make informed decisions. As parents, it’s crucial to be proactive in monitoring and setting limits on tech use.
By balancing technology and healthy development, we can ensure that our children have a well-rounded upbringing in this digital age.
I found it very difficult once my son hit secondary school. So many of his friends were suddenly playing playstation games that had age restrictions of 15 or 18, and it was very hard to get him to understand why he was not allowed the same games at 11 or 12!
That is the problem their friends can do it so why can’t they
Really worrying – I have always tried to limit screen time and pay attention to what my kids are doing with technology
We have always done the same, usually with so and so can use theirs when they want etc.
It concern’s me how addictive children get with tech
It is worrying and being aware is something we should be doing
used correctly tech is great for all ages – Boundaries are so important for all
It is great but not all the time, boundaries are so important
It’s a hard balance to get right. I do feel
It’s wrong to take all technology away from children as it is a source of education but at the time same time, it has to be monitored and controlled which will only get harder as your kids grow up.
Even at the age of 5, I do feel my son is showing much more signs of aggression after being on his iPad for more than 30mins
My grandchildren both have tablets, but they are very limited on how much time they have. They are great but also needs monitoring