The ability of parents, the media and some dodgy scientific 'research' to concoct a massive panic about pretty much nothing never ceases to amaze me. The latest gripe to hit Mumsnet and the tabloids is the 'growing concern' for children being exposed to too much technology. Seriously? Give me a break.
Children born just after the turn of the millennium are lucky enough to let their parents worry about the recession, and will probably reap the benefits of the economic recovery, if and when it eventually does happen in the next couple of decades. They get to have all the fun of iPods, Facebook, Call of Duty, high definition and 3D cinema whilst leaving the mortgage payment worries to Mum and Dad. They don't know they're born, this lot.
Social networking sites require short bursts of concentration, as does researching information on the internet. Googling a term brings back short and abridged responses and in many cases, the seeking of information requires less sustained effort for children today, unlike those who were compelled to sift for and locate information using more in-depth reading from textbooks and paper learning resources. Gaming too requires short and repeated incidents of brain activity and constant engagement with new tasks. As the brain is exceptionally sensitive to its external stimuli and environment, it could be logical to suggest research into changes in brain patterns in regards to these interactions as they become commonplace in children's everyday lives.
The idea that the rise in technology has a link to the rise in ADD and is affecting our childrens learning in schools could be valid. But there is no substantial research to show this is the case. And what research is being done about the positive impact of technology on children's lives? The immense reach of the connected technological world gives them the tools for the future, because it is coming whether we grown-ups like it or not.
The nature of learning and social interaction is changing. But not so much that we need worry about our kids. Good parents read to their children, do their ABC and restrict gaming until after homework is done and checked. These are the building blocks by which children learn. Their mums and dads, extended family, teachers, friends set the examples and lessons by which children learn to live. Technology is just a tool. By overestimating the power of Google, we underestimate our kids.
Children born just after the turn of the millennium are lucky enough to let their parents worry about the recession, and will probably reap the benefits of the economic recovery, if and when it eventually does happen in the next couple of decades. They get to have all the fun of iPods, Facebook, Call of Duty, high definition and 3D cinema whilst leaving the mortgage payment worries to Mum and Dad. They don't know they're born, this lot.
Social networking sites require short bursts of concentration, as does researching information on the internet. Googling a term brings back short and abridged responses and in many cases, the seeking of information requires less sustained effort for children today, unlike those who were compelled to sift for and locate information using more in-depth reading from textbooks and paper learning resources. Gaming too requires short and repeated incidents of brain activity and constant engagement with new tasks. As the brain is exceptionally sensitive to its external stimuli and environment, it could be logical to suggest research into changes in brain patterns in regards to these interactions as they become commonplace in children's everyday lives.
The idea that the rise in technology has a link to the rise in ADD and is affecting our childrens learning in schools could be valid. But there is no substantial research to show this is the case. And what research is being done about the positive impact of technology on children's lives? The immense reach of the connected technological world gives them the tools for the future, because it is coming whether we grown-ups like it or not.
The nature of learning and social interaction is changing. But not so much that we need worry about our kids. Good parents read to their children, do their ABC and restrict gaming until after homework is done and checked. These are the building blocks by which children learn. Their mums and dads, extended family, teachers, friends set the examples and lessons by which children learn to live. Technology is just a tool. By overestimating the power of Google, we underestimate our kids.
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Whatever you make of modern technology, you're sure to love this collection of kids room wallpaper.
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