Positive and Negative Effects of Technology on Children
Positive and negative impacts of technology on children
Children can benefit from technology through access to new learning opportunities. This is especially important for children with physical or developmental disabilities. However, technology use has also been found to lead to low self-esteem and isolation in some children. As digital technology becomes more pervasive, parents are trying to find as much technology as possible in their children’s lives.
Positive impact of technology on children
According to parenting expert Anya Kamintz, all the “rules” around children’s use of computers and the internet have been rewritten by the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology allows children easy access to information and enhances their creativity. Technology hardware and software help develop children’s social skills and introduce them to various arts and sciences.
Here are some less obvious positive effects of technology on children:
Technology allows children to connect with family, friends and others in relationship-enhancing ways, especially when using video chat and other real-time interactions.
Parents and caregivers learn to slow down and tone down the apps, games and other content their children use to avoid overwhelming their senses. Teach children how to use technology in moderation.
The goal should not be to try to eliminate all risks children face when using technology, but rather to minimize risks and adapt when problems arise, such as preventing children from using devices at certain times of the day.
Many parents are hesitant to allow their preschoolers to use technology products and services because of the impact it may have on their health and development. But, as BSD Education points out, kids are surrounded by technology, many of which offer them significant benefits:
Technology can help children become independent learners faster. Once they learn to access digital sources of information securely, they can explore topics of interest to them.
Children learn the importance of building community and how to interact with people in social settings. When circumstances prevent children from forming physical relationships with family, friends, and others, they may use technology to create “virtual bonds.”
Early exposure to technology can teach children the digital literacy skills they will need to succeed in school and as adults in the future.
Many technology products promote hand-eye coordination in young children, while others focus on developing their language and problem-solving skills.
Negative effects of technology on children
Children are especially vulnerable to the overuse of technology. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends limiting technology use to one hour per day in order to provide high-quality programming to children ages 2-5. For children ages 6 and older, it’s important to set consistent limits on different types of media, such as gaming devices and smartphones.
The APA recommends that parents pay attention to what is on their children’s screens and how they interact with it. A research investigation into the possible negative effects of technology on children has linked children’s levels of technology use to various developmental and behavioral problems.
ADHD, aggressive behavior, obesity, physical inactivity, sleep disturbance
Musculoskeletal problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle
Increased lifetime risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease
Sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality in children who frequently use social networks or have mobile devices in the bedroom.
Here are some negative effects of technology on children:
Exposure to harmful online content and sexual exploitation: Children of all ages are more likely to circumvent age verification systems on social media apps, including Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, a study by Irish researchers found. It can expose children to direct contact with predators.
