A recent study of eighth-graders by Jean Twenge, author of iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy - and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood - and What That Means for the Rest of Us, found that children who are heavy users of technology are 56% more likely to say they are unhappy, 27% more likely to be depressed and 35% more likely to have a risk factor for suicide. (USA Today article here)
I had a chance to interview Florence Ann Romano, Windy City Nanny, to get her input.
Why is it so easy for kids to overuse tech devices?
Just like the old adage goes: "everything in moderation," children and technology is no exception to this. The overuse of technology comes from a variety of factors. But, the biggest reason (in my opinion) is because technology is literally a part of our daily lives - from tablets in schools, to iPhones, to AppleTV ... technology is everywhere. "Unplugging" is so hard for adults to do, but yet we think it should be easy for our children! The problem is not necessarily overuse; it's time allocation.
Do companies intentionally create addictive content?
Any company, producing any good or service, could be accused of trying to make their demographic "addicted." They have to sell their product, so of course they are going to want to appeal to you in a way that makes you a loyal customer. Look at the shampoo you use - every time you start to get low, you go to the store and purchase more of that brand. Why? Because you're addicted? Or because it's something you like that works for you? My guess is the latter, not the former. Technology can be looked at the same way - it's something in your life that you enjoy, and makes your life easier. Again, it's not the company's fault for luring you in - you have to take accountability for how obsessed you become! It's like a fast food chain being sued over obesity claims. Where's the personal responsibility for being the one that puts the food in your mouth?
Why is it important for parents not to point fingers at other causes of tech addiction?
Accountability and responsibility, like I stated above, is a valuable - if not mandatory - lesson for parents and children to learn. You can't run around blaming everyone else for the problems in your home. You can't blame the fast food for weight gain just like you can't blame Facebook for why your child isn't doing their homework. Parents need to be active - they need to be PARENTS; make rules; establish boundaries; etc. Just like anything in life, too much of something is not good for you. You need to set the guidelines for your children and ENFORCE it. Be consistent and steadfast in how you discipline. Follow-through and you will see results!
How can parents set boundaries on tech use with their kids?
Time allocation is key! Don't strip them of tech usage - embrace tech, but limit it. TV during certain hours; tablet time after homework is completed; Facebook study breaks; etc. Find a way to reward your child through technology if that is a motivator. You are the parent - you set the rules. Once the boundaries are set, children are more inclined to follow that flow without as much of a fight. Believe me, if they are teenagers, you'll have much bigger problems to deal with than your child playing video games! ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment