The generation of children born after the 2000s is very privileged when it comes to technology. In the 90s, the computer boom happened and 10 years later having a PC at home was already natural. In 2007, we had the launch of the first iPhone and, from then on, the world was transformed again, this time by smartphones.
Not to mention other technology-related phenomena, such as the emergence of social networks with millions (sometimes billions) of users, instant messaging applications, increasingly realistic games, and new teaching and learning platforms. Anyone born after the 2000s definitely had (or will have) a childhood completely different from their ancestors.
However, despite the general picture showing only positive points, a deeper analysis reveals serious problems in the generation of children who were born immersed in technology. Problems come exactly from the technological advances that we have learned to yearn for so much.
Given this, can we consider technology for children as a villain or an ally?
Tech problems for kids
But how can the technology that has brought so many benefits to humanity be harmful to children? There is no explanation, nor a direct correlation between the harmful effects of technological devices and the problems presented in youth. However, specialists cannot deny that some conditions were intensified due to the excessive use of electronic devices.
The classic problem is a sedentary lifestyle and consequent weight gain. As children who grew up in front of the computer or with a smartphone in hand spend a lot of time in front of the screens, they, consequently, spend less time playing and wasting energy outside the house.
It sounds cliché, but it’s reality. Coupled with a disorderly diet, the result is overweight children and other health problems. Abuse in front of screens can also have other unpleasant consequences. Among them, we can mention:
- Difficulty in learning
- social interaction problems
- Anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of concentration
Given this scenario, it seems easy to conclude that technology is, in fact, a villain. However, there are still several reasons to consider that technological advances can be considered strong allies in children’s education. It all depends on how electronic devices and virtual platforms are used.
Parents’ responsibility
In the midst of this chaotic scenario, another villain pointed out are the parents. After all, technology doesn’t just fall into children’s laps. There is a provider and we are usually talking about the parents, they are responsible for giving access to the devices and ultimately allowing overuse.
Looking through this prism, it is possible to start seeing technological advances as the “victim” of the situation. It is parents and guardians who need to control the time of use of electronic devices. As a result, we have children and adolescents who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
However, children still do not have the ability to discern between right and wrong. The aim is to satisfy basic needs, whatever they may be. The adult, in theory, should have this ability, and that’s why he is responsible for the chaotic situation that has settled in several homes around the world. Because of this, even some adults suffer from the problems that affect children who overdo it.
This scenario definitely needs to change. Continuing as is is not an option. If we don’t “step on the brakes”, we will probably have a society programmed to self-destruct. Luckily for us (and our children), there are parental monitoring apps like this one that managed to migrate technology from the “villain” category to the squad of “allies” that help in their education and development.
How the school can implement technology in the education of children
Traditional education, based on the same style for hundreds of years, did not keep up with technological advances and ended up being left behind. From villain and victim, technology becomes the protagonist in our teaching method for young people.
Through the use of programming techniques and software development, we insert subjects that are of interest to young people’s lives.
As benefits of this method, we harvest the following fruits:
- More playful and interactive classes
- Increase in logical reasoning performance
- Stimulation of the critical sense
- Contribution to future professional training
- Arousal of curiosity
- Improvement in concentration
- Increased ability to learn and teach
- Improved school performance
- Enhanced social interaction ability
This is how we transform technology into an ally in children’s education. And our results confirm that we are on the right path. Several parents have already reported that their children became more attentive, and concentrated and started to use electronic devices in a more productive and intelligent way.
