Childhood

How has technology changed the way kids are growing up?

When a kid in the 1980s got home from school, he had some choices: go outside, watch TV or listen to tapes on his stereo. He could not imagine a time where he would have his own device that would fit in his pocket, and also play all his music, show videos and contain millions of games! Most people think technology changes are awesome, but is technology really good for children? How is technology changing childhood?
 * Is this a better way for children to spend their time?**
 * Will technology make kids get addicted?**

The video below shows a 2 year old using an iPad "perfectly." The father says his son's coordination, speech, understanding and word recognition have all improved since he started using the iPad. is technology the only way for him to make gains this fast?? Would reading books improve his skills, too? Also, are there dangers and problems with kids using technology at a young age? One commenter suggests that the kid's eyesight will deteriorate. Maybe these kids who use technology at an early age will get addicted, too. media type="youtube" key="MGMsT4qNA-c" height="217" width="382"

Lots of 6th graders at Dartmouth Middle School have little siblings who use technology. One student has a little brother age 8 who is obsessed with his iTouch and plays AngryBirds, Plants vs. Zombies and music all the time. Another student's 4 year old sister uses the family's iPad more than anyone else. A third student's little sibling has a Kindle Fire and knows how to do everything at age 5. Is it a good thing that kids know how to use this type of technology at an early age? The following video shows a researcher talking about the impact of technology on children's brains and development. She says that gaming will improve IQs because games mimic IQ tasks (looking at patterns and trying to do something in a short period of time). She says that IQ is not the same as understanding and knowledge, though. You still need background information to do complex tasks in real world. She also talks about how too much social networking may make kids uncomfortable in real life situations because they don't know how to interact. media type="youtube" key="r-6aronziAQ" height="228" width="401" So what is the answer? Is technology good for kids or is it bad? The answer is of course, both, depending. Kids need to spend time outside and reading books, too. Limited time with new technology can be beneficial and fun and can help kids learn new information and skills, especially since they are so motivated to use the technology. The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends no TV at all for children under the age of two so parents should beware all tech use at young ages. [|Common Sense Media] is a great website parents can use to decide what sort of media their children should be using. [|Talking back to Facebook] is a book and website by CommonSense Media creator James P. Steyer. Here is a video from this website that talks about how media affects Relationships that teenagers have...from how social media affects their self esteem to how it affects their self-image. 51% of Facebook users report that using Facebook makes them more "body conscious." The video also talks about Attention and Addiction issues; children who use technology are not only more distracted, but are also more likely to get addicted. Finally, the video talks about Privacy issues; children who spend time online are forfeiting their privacy on a regular basis. Many kids have not even thought through these issues fully. What if someone else downloads one of their photos and uses it in an inappropriate way? Parents should consider this before posting pictures of their baby, as well. media type="custom" key="18665124" width="120" height="120"