There is no doubt that technology has transformed the way we live, communicate and even educate. However, when it comes to kids and screens, the waters get murky. On the one hand, technology offers incredible opportunities for learning and fun, but on the other, too much screen time can have negative effects on children's development.
Millennial and Gen Z parents: a difference in perspective
Millennial parents, growing up at the dawn of the digital age, have embraced technology as an integral part of family life. iPads, smartphones, and other devices have become common tools for entertaining and even educating children.
The phenomenon of “iPad kids” has become a hot topic of discussion. Some experts, like Ryan Lowe, child and adolescent psychotherapist, highlight the dangers of excessive use of screens. Lowe warns that indiscriminate use of devices such as digital babysitters can prevent children from learning vital skills such as patience and managing frustrations. A study conducted by Common Sense Media found that almost 80% of children have access to an iPad or another type of tablet: today it is stranger for a child to be offline than online. Should we seriously worry?
Of course, there's no need to be calm. Now, however, with the emergence of Gen Z as the new generation of parents, there are (timid) signs of a more balanced and conscious approach to the use of technology.
The long-term effects of exposure to screens on children
Bhavin Shah, an optometrist specializing in neurodevelopment, highlights other potential problems related to excessive use of iPads and similar devices. Increased myopia in children and insufficient development of fine motor skills are just a few examples of the physical consequences that can result from excessive use of digital screens. The challenge for modern parents, of course, is finding the right balance. While technology offers unprecedented opportunities for learning and access to information, it is essential to ensure that children also have “real”, “live” time. Time to play, explore the physical world, and develop social and emotional skills.
Children will have no strategies or experience for managing their feelings or dealing with frustration. Their behavior and their ability to learn in the classroom will be significantly affected.
Ryan Lowe
We need "digital parenting" courses
For both Millennial and Gen Z parents, the key is taking a balanced approach. The goal should be to use technology in a way that enriches, rather than limits, children's experience of growing up. We really need "digital parenting" courses. This includes teaching children how to use technology responsibly and ensure they have ample opportunities to interact with the world beyond screens.
As they navigate this new digital age, parents have a responsibility to guide their children through the challenges and opportunities it presents. Educating children about a healthy relationship with technology is essential to ensuring they grow up well-balanced, both digitally and emotionally. The story of the child trying to zoom in on a butterfly should not be an omen. It must be a reminder: we must teach our children not only how to use technology, but also how to live without it.
