Email: lome@guidance2growth.co.za
Cell: 082 453 8132
011 794 6383
Medi-Focus, 691 Taurus Avenue, Sundowner
Hartbeespoort Medical Centre
387 Beethoven Street, Hartbeespoort
Email: lome@guidance2growth.co.za
Cell: 082 453 8132
011 794 6383
By Lome Koekemoer
What impact does digital technology have on parenting?
Kids growing up in the digital age, are likely to learn how to use applications on their parents’ phones before they learn how to ride a bike or tie their shoelaces. They grow up in a time, where social media, the internet and the applications of other technological devices such as smartphones, Ipads etc. have changed a big part of society’s interactions with one another. If it has changed the interactions within society, it is certain to change the interactions between child and parent. I believe that digital technology in itself is not the “cause of evil”, but I see, on a daily basis, the negative impact that digital technology can have on the parent-child relationship and the health of the child if not consciously managed by the parent. As parents, our first priority is to focus on our children’s need for connection with us and with others, and digital technology should be managed in a way that fosters this connection.
The main danger that digital technology holds for children, is that it becomes increasingly difficult for parents to manage their child’s exposure to the appropriate technology. It becomes difficult for parents to manage their child’s readiness to hear certain information, and thus becomes more difficult to protect our kids from premature exposure. Our kids are often not ready to be bombarded with the information that is found on TV, in games and in other technological exposure.
What impact does digital technology have on our kids’ development?
When we grow up, we learn a great deal about problem solving through play, and especially games that incorporate interpersonal interactions. We learn about exploration, about our own identities, about our own competence and about problem resolution and decision making. Though digital technology also offer children some of these learning opportunities, it does so in an artificial manner and excludes some of the fundamental building blocks that are needed for childhood development. Most digital games do not teach our kids about consequences, because you always have “another life” that you can use to play the game again. These games also do not teach our kids about human interaction and emotional intelligence. Research has shown that your child’s level of emotional intelligence is one of the biggest predictors of good adjustment, better grades, interpersonal success and feelings of happiness. So, parents need to help their kids develop healthy self-perceptions, stress management, interpersonal skills, adaptability, assertiveness, conflict management and social responsibility – none of which can be really fostered through digital technology. Studies have also shown that an increase in screen time can actually lead to a decrease in your child’s cognitive ability, concentration levels and their ability to self-soothe.
What practical tips can you provide for parents regarding the use of digital technology with their kids:
Ultimately, parents need to understand that digital technology is here to stay. We cannot protect our children from it by blocking it completely, as this will lead to unhealthy behaviors as well. We need to accept and embrace it as part of our parenting role. When it comes to parenting, the key ingredient always has been and always will be the parents’ focus on establishing a deep connection with their children. If we maintain a consistent focus on connection, we will be better abled to manage the impact of technology on our kids.