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Technology is everywhere. It is hard to turn a corner and not see someone holding a phone. This doesn’t just go for adults we are also seeing more and more children be given phones as well. Although it can be hard to adjust to the change from twenty years ago when there were barely any phones. It is important to remember that the youth of today are embracing technology and are using that as their main way to meet new people. It is also their main way of communicating with friends and family(1). As adults, it is important to know this and try to find ways to help our children navigate it the best way possible. There can be pros and cons to monitoring your child’s phone.

Not monitoring your child’s phone gives them a sense of independence. They are free to choose how they control their phone usage and how long they stay on it. This can also give a sense that you as the parent trust your child to make their own decisions. You are giving them their privacy, which can be important to teens(4). It is ultimately up to you as the parent when or if you give your child complete control of their phone or you can start by giving them small things to control that will ultimately lead up to giving them complete control of their devices.

Cyberbullying tends to be the number one reason parents monitor their child's phones. The Cyberbullying Research Center has defined cyberbullying as repeatedly making fun of or picking on someone through a form of technology. That could be text, social media, or email(3). Some parents will check their children's messages and look for forms of cyberbullying or they choose to not allow certain apps because these can be seen as the main ways to cyberbully. This could lead to a sense of distrust between you and your child. It can also make them feel like they need to hide things from you.

We encourage parents to sit down and have an open discussion with them about technology. Some discussion topics can be

1. Talking about the dangers of technology. Also giving them resources to find help if they need it. It is important to let your children know that they can come to you as their parent or guardian for help or if they have any other questions(5).

2. Talking about rules that you as a family can set to keep safe while using technology(2). This will help your children get involved in the ruleset but it also can give them a chance to be heard in their own worries about technology.

1. One rule you could discuss is only using technology in public areas of the home(5). It can help with quick checks to see what they are doing. It also can help decrease the activities that they think they need to hide from their parents.

3. Talking about what your children are doing during their screen time use. As the parent, be genuinely curious(5). This is a great chance to listen to your child talk about something that they love. It can help establish a relationship between you and your children so if other problems occur they feel comfortable coming and talking to you about it.

4. Talk about boundaries with your child. What boundaries do they as the child feel they need or want.

These are just a few ideas to start our discussion or conversation within your families. Communication is very important when talking about things that could be uncomfortable. Remember to be open and talk with your child about expectations within your family.

References
(1) Anderson, M. (2020, May 30). Parents, Teens, and Digital Monitoring. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Retrieved April 11, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/01/07/parents-teens-and-digital-monitoring/
(2) Blackwell, L., Gardiner, E., & Schoenebeck, S. (2016). Managing expectations: Technology tensions ... - dl.acm.org. Managing Expectations: Technology Tensions among Parents and Teens. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/2818048.2819928?download=true
(3) Donegan, Richard. (2012). Bullying and cyberbullying: History ... - Elon university. Bullying and Cyberbullying: History, Statistics, Law, Prevention, and Analysis. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/communications/journal/wp-content/uploads/sites/153/2017/06/04DoneganEJSpring12.pdf
(4) Marwick, A. E., Murgia-Diaz, D., & Palfrey, J. G. (2010, April 12). Youth, privacy and reputation (literature review). SSRN. Retrieved April 11, 2022, from https://deliverypdf.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=082112002094021099125016095101018117099072067012079043078012093123092110102067004011021023022028055040113120029113108067002123107025064010065099019069084096114023054001094106124123084027115074084064123125122126006108127068005085086065124026101031009&EXT=pdf&INDEX=TRUE

(5) Weigle, P., & Reid, D. (2014). Editorial Adolescent Psychiatry, , vol ... - researchgate.net. Helping Parents Promote Healthy and Safe Computer Habits. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paul-Weigle/publication/264675926_Editorial_Thematic_Special_Issue_Coming_of_Age_Online_Challenges_of_Treating_the_Internet_Generation/links/55d345d908ae7fb244f584d9/Editorial-Thematic-Special-Issue-Coming-of-Age-Online-Challenges-of-Treating-the-Internet-Generation.pdf

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WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN GET THEIR OWN PHONE

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WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN GET THEIR OWN PHONE

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When should I get my child a phone? That seems to be a question that most parents have a hard time answering. With the rise of technology in our everyday lives it can be hard to know if it is the right time or if there is never going to be a right time. The correct answer is there really is no “right” time. It will depend on the child and you as the parent. Not all children have the same situation so it is hard to know when is the best time for them to get a phone. There are some pros and cons to when you get your child their own phone that can help you decide when is the correct time for them and for you as the parent.

There have been studies done that show the benefits of educational shows or apps on younger children. It can help them learn math skills and their language. Overall it increases their school readiness at a younger age (3). Sending them to school with the basic education can help relieve some stress of sending them to school on that first day. But it can still be hard for you and your child. If they have the use of a phone in their school classroom then they are able to keep in contact with you if they need anything. Some children will have a harder time adjusting to schools depending on their age but it is always nice to reach out to parents to get the extra encouragement. If your child has a health condition the use of a hand held phone can help you track or monitor their health if it can or needs to be monitored(1). This is geared more towards younger children who have not yet mastered monitoring their health condition. Or for teens who have a new health condition that have not had a chance to master their monitoring skills either.

Children learn best by example. As a parent if you treat your phone like a toy or an easy way to distract yourself or your child then your child could treat it the same way this could lead to a phone addiction (2). There are many variables that go into the process of getting addicted to a cell phone. Some are the child's age, their gender, and whether they go to school or not (2). Remember that not all children are the same so there can be different chances of getting addicted to a cell phone. The lower the age is of the child receiving the phone the higher chance they could have of getting addicted to their phones (2). If you choose to give your child a phone when they are younger it could have an effect on their brain development. Sitting down and absorbing the information that we receive by watching a screen can slow the part of our brain that we need to make decisions or to concentrate (2). This can lead to behavior problems in the future.

Although children are considered to be “digital natives”(3), it can be hard for them to navigate technology just like an adult who has never been introduced to phones.  We have said early there is no right or wrong time to give your child a phone. It comes down to the child and what you as the parent want for your child. Some things to discuss when considering when to give your child a phone.

1. Why are you getting your child a phone?

1. Is it for entertainment or for communication purposes?

2. How do you plan to help them learn the best way to use their phone?

1. These could be rules that you want to set in place for their phone time.

2. Setting aside time to look up different types of educational apps they can have on their phones.

References:
(1) Orji, R., & Moffatt, K. (2018). Persuasive technology for health and wellness: State-of-the-art and emerging trends. Health Informatics Journal, 66–91. https://doi.org/10.1177/1460458216650979
(2) Park, C., & Park, Y. R. (2014). The conceptual model on smartphone addiction among early ... The Conceptual Model on Smart Phone Addiction among Early Childhood. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cheol-Park-17/publication/271295091_The_Conceptual_Model_on_Smart_Phone_Addiction_among_Early_Childhood/links/5e7e9ee692851caef4a57449/The-Conceptual-Model-on-Smart-Phone-Addiction-among-Early-Childhood.pdf
(3) Vittrup, B., Snider, S., Rose, K. K., & Rippy, J. (2016). Parental perceptions of the role of media and technology in their young children’s lives. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 14(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X14523749

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We are living in the year 2022. Technology has come a long way in a short time. One area that has advanced quickly is the entertainment of video games. What was only a mildly interesting way to kill an hour or two, in the 1980’s has become a multi billion dollar business.

But what does the research say about the effects of video games on children and does that affect families? Are video games something parents and families should be concerned about? Parents want the best for their kids. They want them to succeed in all areas of life, be it socially, emotionally, as a student, as a family member and to be a productive member of society. These goals and hopes are healthy and normal for parents to have.

Do video games hinder or get in the way of these ultimate healthy life goals, parents have for their children? If played casually and for fun video games are like any other pass time. There are even some benefits to playing video games, such as connecting with peers online, competitive drive and positive learning outcomes but on the flipside there are also negative outcomes when it comes to playing video games, such as depressive symptoms, alienation, isolation, eating disorders, problems focusing in school, cyberbullying, lack of exercise and sleep and even sadly, suicidal ideation (1).

But are video games addictive or is that a myth? This is a layered and complex question and is not a clear-cut yes or no answer. There are several factors at play, when considering if video games should be labeled addictive. “Internet Gaming Disorder,” as indicated by the American Psychiatric Association, in 2013 states that this disorder is closely related to Gambling Disorder(1). So yes, depending on certain underlying factors video games could be addictive to some children.

Whether or not a person will become addicted to video games is correlated with certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, aggression, clinical depression and anxiety. Consequences of over use of video games include lack of friends in real life, maladaptive coping, stress, loneliness, psychosomatic problems and a decrease in academic achievement.1 Parents need to keep in mind each of their children’s underlying mental and emotional traits and struggles,

then base how long a child can play video games on that.

It was found that in children with ADHD symptoms were more likely to increase as they grew rather than decrease as they played online and other video games (1).  Some children may just play casually, whereas others may become fixated and even obsessed to the point that they can’t control themselves. It comes down to parents to create boundaries and rules. You wouldn’t let your child eat candy all day, why? Because it would negatively affect their health. It’s the same with video games.

One of the most important jobs a parent has is to be aware of each of their children. It is important for parents to spend quality time with each child, so as to get a true grasp on what is going on in that particular child’s life. Each child is different and has their own strengths, weaknesses and personality. As a parent sets aside time to connect and communicate, they will better know their child and if they should be concerned by their video game use or if such use is leading to addictive behaviors. Be sure to be involved in what ratings and types of video games your kids are playing. Some video games are violent and not suitable for children. Do your research and set rules and boundaries. At the end of the day you are the adult and you get to set the rules in your own home.

Who plays video games and why? Many of today’s kids play some form of video games, the range is from very young to older teenagers. As far as problematic video gaming is concerned it was found more likely in males than females and that they were younger gamers(2).

As parents It is important to understand why children and teens play video games. Having this understanding will help parents approach their children with educated and  informed facts. Some of the reasons kids play video games are just for fun or entertainment, as a distraction from daily responsibilities, developing virtual friendships, coping, competition among others(2).

Not all of these reasons are negative. Understanding the core reasons your child plays video games and how often, will help you know how to approach them about it. It is very important for parents to be aware of what video games their kids are playing. Rather than ignoring what their child is up to, take a more proactive approach. Being interested and involved in your child’s life will help them feel loved and will help you get tabs on if they may need a change of scenery.  Helping them have a balance of other activities will prevent over gaming.

Some parents may be unsure how to get their kids to take a break from the video game controller. The first thing a parent can do is know their child. As they take time to get to know each of their children, they will know better than anyone what activities will catch their children’s curiosity. Here are some ideas families can do together to build connection, friendship, love and trust.

Get outside on a nearby walking trail or hike

Visit the local zoo or aquarium

Go to a community play or music concert

Plan a picnic

Take a round-trip to a national or state park

Spend time at an art or natural history museum

Go for a family bike ride

Build a tree fort or other hands on activity

Spend time at an amusement park

Play board games together

Share a favorite movie

When it comes to getting your kids off of video games and out the door or onto something else, the options are endless. It is important to mix it up and have a variety of activities that will capture your kids attention. The more you pay attention to how they respond to the activity, the better you’ll be at picking activities that will resonate in the future. Help them discover the wonder and beauty of our wide world until video games become one of many options rather than the only option.

References:

(1) Lieberoth, A., & Fiskaali, A. (1AD, January 1). Can worried parents predict effects of video games on their children? A case-control study of cognitive abilities, addiction indicators and Wellbeing. Frontiers. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.586699/full
(2)  von der Heiden, J. M., Braun, B., Müller, K. W., & Egloff, B. (1AD, January 1). The association between video gaming and psychological functioning. Frontiers. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01731/full

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These days there are so many benefits to technology, that we can’t even imagine our lives without it. But not too long ago, we lived without many of the technology wonders that are considered “normal” today. Technology has advanced with almost lightning speed in the last 30 years. What was once a very basic resource, has now become a necessity. When you stop and think about how far technology has come, it’s almost laughable what we started out with. From floppy disks, scratched CDs, screensavers, home phones (hooked to a wall) “snail mail”, VHS tapes (Be Kind Rewind) cable TV and dialup, we can’t forget dialup! There really are too many technological advances to list!

Technology is a fundamental part of our lives now. It would be very hard to get much done without it. Nearly all industries use technology to get their products out to the world. It is fair to say technology is here to stay and it will no doubt continue to advance in the coming years. Technology does so much good and is an invaluable resource but what is its relationship with the family and is there any importance to taking periodic breaks?

That is the reason for this blog post. We will discuss how taking breaks from technology of all kinds, “unplugging” literally and figuratively, will benefit your mental, physical and emotional health. We will also examine how taking breaks from your smartphone, desktop, laptop and TV will strengthen family relationships.

When it comes to thinking about your mind, there are things you need to keep in mind. Human brains are not computers. To reach their optimal capabilities, they need breaks to recharge and rest. The more often you take breaks the better prepared you’ll be to take on the tasks of the day.

First, it’s important to recognize how much time you spend on your phone or other screen. Take the time for one week and log the hours you spend looking at a screen. This will help you see in real hard time how much of your day is being spent on a screen. Just like a calorie count when you are on a diet, keeping a record of your time spent on technology can be a loud and clear wake up call. This alone can be the catalyst for change.

Next, find a piece of paper and a pen, create a list of things that you would like to get done and just never find time for. These can be little jobs around the house, like fixing that leaking toilet that’s been making that funny noise or as simple as finishing that last chapter in the book that's been on your nightstand for the last month and a half. This may seem like an odd thing to do but just having it will help you register there are other things to do with your time, rather than look at social media or YouTube.

Cellphones are especially problematic for several reasons. First of all they are cognitively different from other forms of entertainment. They have a way of grabbing and holding our attention. Part of the reason is, they have new content constantly such as the fact that new messages come in so frequently that we become curious. We are social and want to stay connected to what is going on. It can be hard to feel that we are missing out on something. It is alarming to think that many people have reported “phantom vibration syndrome,” the phenomenon where even when you are away from your phone, you think you feel a text come in. With this strong of a connection to a device it can cause someone to become emotionally and cognitively lost in their phone more than other technology(1).

The strange thing about technology today is that it has interwoven itself into everything that we do. You need to consciously step away if you ever want to clear your mind. Without a deliberate decision, the resolve to take a break will be even that much harder.

How does technology affect families today? How can you and your family connect and bond while living with an ever increasing tech heavy/focused world? It is important to remember that things have changed drastically when it comes to tech in the home. During the 1970’s TV was something that families often did together and was a form of family bonding(2).

As the years have passed, TV and other forms of technology have moved from the “TV room” and into personal bedrooms. This prevents the bonding aspect of family movie night or other activities involving technology that used to be done together as a family.

As parents it is important to create rules and boundaries when it comes to technology use and your children. As you and your spouse do this you will help your kids have balance between real life and the digital world. Build in times where phones and other tech is not involved or allowed, such as family meal times. This may seem old fashioned but there are many benefits including, face to face conversation, understanding what is going on in our child’s life and real uninterrupted connection that will promote positive conversations in the future. When children know they can talk to their parents they will bring joys as well as challenges to you as their parents.

What are the benefits of taking breaks from technology? There are many benefits to stepping away from technology. The world is a beautiful place and there are many important ways to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Information and knowledge are very important parts of life but there are innumerable ways to gain these without technology.

As you take breaks from all types of technology, you will notice your mood will improve and you will have a greater abundance of energy and happiness to face your work or other tasks. Both your body and mind will thank you as you make deliberate steps to unplug and at the same time recharge, recharge without a charger in your hand!

Here is a list of Ideas you and your family can try when you need a break from technology:

Take a short walk outside

10 minutes of silence

Read a book

Play a game together

Work on an art project together

Share a meal together

Have a face to face, uninterrupted conversation

Write a list of family vacation ideas

Spend time connecting to a higher power

Make memories together

Play an musical instrument

Workout in your own way

Create your own tech break list

References:
(1) Hiniker, A., Schoenebeck, S. Y., & Kientz, J. A. (2016). Not at the Dinner Table: Parents' and Children's Perspectives on the Family Technology Rules. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/2818048.2819940
(2)Kang, S., & Kurtzberg, T. R. (2019). Reach for your cell phone at your own risk: The cognitive costs of media choice for breaks, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 8(3), 395-403. Retrieved Apr 14, 2022, from

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As everyone knows, the life of a teenager is complicated. There are so many changes going on with their bodies, emotions, school, friends, and family. They are trying hard to figure out who they are and how they want to carry themselves into their exciting and unknown future.

There is an added ball that today’s teens must also juggle, in this already hectic and energetic time of life and that is technology. Technology is an ever evolving and ever progressing resource that most teens today know well. They were born when the internet, cellphones and so much more were already well established and commonplace in the US. They have never known a life without technology. They are the  ones teaching their parents and grandparents how to keep up with all the new advances tech throws at them.

In this blog we will be giving information about the relationship between teenagers and technology and how that relates to family life. Parents of teenagers already have a tall order but when you add in the complexity of technology on top of that they can feel overwhelmed.

When it comes to technology and teens, parents need to set rules and boundaries early on, so that teens can stay safe and happy in a world that is saturated by messages of how important and cool the next big thing in tech is. Even just a short time ago, there was no such thing as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok but now many teens are hooked on checking these apps multiple times a day. Not long ago social and media were not paired together but were their own words.

The “Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing” group, in San Francisco California shared their findings after they surveyed 249 parent child pairs, about how they managed technology use in their homes. They published their findings in a March 2016 paper. Here is a list of 12 tips from real parents of teenagers:

Be present-No technology at places like the dinner table.

Privacy-Keep who you are private/don’t share personal information.

Not at night-No technology when I go to bed.

Parent audit-Parents are allowed to check text messages.

Content restrictions-Parents get to say what sights teens can look at.

Responsibility first-Chores have to be done before free tech time.

No sexual content-No creating, sharing or looking at explicit media.

Time-bound-Parents get to decide how long teens spend on screen time.

Moderate use-Have balance between tech and other activities.

Be kind-No cyberbullying or mean text messages.

Cost restrictions-Be smart about when using the internet. Use wifi when possible.

No bad language-No swearing or sexual languge(1).

All families with kids or teenagers could benefit from sitting down with their children and creating their own list like the one listed above. If you find that these are helpful, use them. If not, you know your kids best, tailor it to their needs or personalities. The most important part about creating a list like this, is not having it to make yourself as a parent feel good but to actually use it.

The most important thing a parent can do with a child is to build love and trust into their relationship. In whatever way works best for you and your child, work to build these two foundational principles. Once they are in place you will spend less time fighting or policing your child and more time connecting and enjoying them. The more trust and love a child has for their parents the more likely they will be to follow the rules enforced by the parents.

As parents it is a good idea to emulate the behavior you would like to see in your children. If you want them to spend more time being with the family, off of their phone or other technology then demonstrate that by example. Put your own phone down during dinner and your child will be more likely to do the same(1).

Despite parents' best efforts, some teens may become screen addicted. Unable to put down their phones, close their laptops or turn off the TV. There are so many videos, series, apps, channels and text messages that call out for their attention, all while their brain is still developing. It has become so extreme that some teens in China have become so addicted to the point where they don’t eat, sleep or even take breaks for the bathroom, preferring rather to wear diapers(2)!

There are programs and resources for those extreme cases but they are not cheap and require you to pull your child out of school and take them away from their friends. This can be difficult in its own way and comes with its own complications. Prevention is prefered to intervention.

The best way parents can help their teens avoid becoming addicted to technology is by helping them find balance in their lives. The most natural and healthy way to do this is to be observant and listen. As parents take note of their children’s interests, they will know what opportunities to give to them.

The world is a wide and interesting place, take your children to new places and introduce them to new things. As you do you may be surprised what real life things catch their interest. Once they have picked something, do your part to support that hobby or interest. As teens take breaks from technology and make friends in their new activities, they will naturally spend less time on screens. Fresh air, balance and friends, will go a long way when it comes to their mental and physical health. That is what all parents want for their kids to be happy and healthy.

References:
(1) Hiniker, A., Schoenebeck, S. Y., & Kientz, J. A. (2016). Not at the Dinner Table: Parents' and Children's Perspectives on the Family Technology Rules. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/2818048.2819940

(2)Screen addiction is taking a toll on children - stratus. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://stratus.pnbhs.school.nz/pluginfile.php/20976/mod_resource/content/1/Screen%20Addiction%20Is%20Taking%20a%20Toll%20on%20Children.pdf

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As generations continue on, technology will too. We are at a point where it can be hard to stray away from it. So much if our world consists of using technology, and because of this it will be our job to understand what is best for the little ones. As the next generation, let's be the ones to change the young minds of children and their exposure to the online world.

Many studies have been done on the effects of when and how to introduce screen time, and for the majority all of them say the same thing: introducing screen time at a young age is not best for the development of the brain. Within the first two years of life, the brain is still developing and is at a very sensitive state. What happens to the brain and what it is exposed to can change a child's life for better or for worse.

Why do studies focus on this age? Because researchers have found developmental differences between the brains of young children who are exposed and those who aren't (1). The goal of this blog post as well as the research many studies have conducted is to make parents of young children aware before they make their final decision on whether to implement screen time in their young child's life. To be clear, this is not at all said to scare parents but more to inform them. Raising kids in this period of time where technology is vital and dependent, it can be hard to know what is too much and what is too sheltering.

Most people will understand that to a point to completely have a young mond stray away from technology is near impossible; TVs, tablets, computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and more are all in the daily lives of adults.

Beginning with some questions  such as the ones to follow, may help parents make the executive decision on whether to allow screen time or not. These questions are for the sole purpose of getting you, the parents, active and aware of how much or how little screens are being used in the home (1).

What kind of screens are in your home (e.g., TV, tablet, computer, smartphone)? Which does your child use?

Is watching TV or programs/movies on other devices a shared family activity and a common way to relax?

How often is a screen on in the background although no one is really watching?

Does anyone in the family use screens during mealtimes?

What do you watch with your child? What does your child watch alone?

Do you encourage or discourage conversation with your child while you are using screens?

Does your child use screens while you do chores around the home?

Does your child use any kind of screen before bedtime? How long before bedtime?

Is there a TV or computer in your child’s bedroom?

Does your child take mobile devices into the bedroom?

Does your family have rules or guidelines for screen use that everyone understands and shares?

If you have found yourself, after these questions, to realize that your family is having too much exposure to screen time, here are a few recommendations that the Pediatrics Child Health recommends to promote child health and development in the digital world (1).

MINIMIZE SCREEN TIME

For children under the age of two, screen time whatsoever is not recommended

Ages two through five: no more than one hour per day

Maintain and keep consistent 'screen-free' times such as when cooking or reading books

Avoid screen for at least one hour before bedtime

REDUCE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SCREEN TIME

Be present and engaged when screens are used ... whenever possible co-view with children to ensure safety

Be aware of content and prioritize educational, age-appropriate and interactive programming (see blog post titled benefits of education technology to learn more about this topic)

PARENTS, MODEL GOOD SCREEN TIME

Children are followers. If they see you having good screen time management they are more likely to also be aware of their own.

Choose healthy alternatives, such as reading, outdoor play and creative, hands-on activities

Turn off their devices at home during family time

Turn off screens when not in use and avoid background TV

To answer the question: When should I introduce screen time? The final and direct answer is still unclear. It can be difficult to know when the right age is. From the research it definitely is older than the age of two. In all reality comes down to what you, the parent, says is best for their child and their stage of development. Research says many things, but the most important is to be mindful.
Here is a video that can give further information > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L4vzhswCwU

References:
(1) Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force, Ottawa, Ontario (2017). Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. Paediatrics & child health, 22(8), 461–477. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxx123

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Technology has become an important key factor when it comes to education. It has evolved to a point where it is no longer a unique experience, but standard practice (2). Take for instance, the impacts that it has had on COVID-19: One day a global pandemic hits and schools are forced to have school online. More than ever, the benefits of educational technology come about and educators see the importance of it. With the large number of public schools, at the time, having to learn how to homeschool effectively, technology was used by all. Because it was for educational purposes, it was best for the development of the brain to keep it active during difficult times.

There are challenges that come along with this, and that is: What is considered to be educational, and what applications would be best to use in certain subjects. Along with this, studies are actively trying to find better-defined use for educational technology.

Through the teachers' set of mind, having a classroom to run with the implementation of computers, smartphones, tablets, and cloud-based services can have its positives. Easier storage of materials, efficient communication, and portability of the teaching objects are just a few examples. It is continuing to be important as technology grows, that those who use it go with it as well. Always be finding ways to educate yourself though technology. The world is at our fingertips, and within it there is so much opportunity (1).

The National Library of Medicine has an article titled ‘Children, wired - for better and for worse’ (1) accurately describes the benefits and risks of technology and puts it in a way that many can relate to. An example is shared that can really open the minds of parents who are wondering what technology does to the brain. Technology specifically designed for the purpose of bettering one's cognitive ability may lead to no effects or on the other hand can lead to unexpected negative effects. Applications that surface this seem to be mindless can actually result in improvements in basic attention, motor, and visual skills. Again with this same article it specifically focuses to talk about watching television, because it has been around for sixty plus years. In the beginning when they first entered homes, studies were conducted on preschoolers (ages 2.5 to 5 years old) who had a television in the home versus those who did not. Positive signs were shown on test scores for those who did have a television in the home, and it is important to recognize that this is because of the stimulating effect of introducing a new experience in the life of preschoolers rather than the specific technology.

This can be an overwhelming amount of information, and it is understandable that you as the parent can have a hard time knowing what's good and bad when it all seems to appear as good. Do research, find the facts of the underlying issues hidden within shows that are intended for children. What shows are considered to have beneficial effects on the young minds of children (1)?

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Dora the Explorer

Blue's Clues

Sesame Street

These are just four shows to get your child's mind headed in the right direction. On a positive note, these shows have all been linked to greater vocabulary and expressive language skills.

How do you know if a show is educational or not? A key thing to always remember is a show that will promote positive impacts will engage the young viewer as well as encourage direct participation from the child, provide a strong language model, avoid overloading the child with distracting stimulation, and include a well-articulated narrative structure. One of the most important thing is that an educational enhancing show will exemplify how to resolve social conflicts and productively manage disagreements and frustration (1).

To conclude, for the past couple years technology has become inescapable in our lives. Living in today's world not only with the technology effects of COVID-19 but also “educational” shows that gravitate towards children, it is more apparent that parents and guardians of young children need to be aware of the harsh things that come along with technology. It is factual and proven that what we watch has shaped the way we learn, develop, and behave; this can be for the good and for the bad.
Here is a video to give further information >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P41_nyYY3Zg

References:
(1) Bavelier, D., Green, C. S., & Dye, M. W. (2010). Children, wired: for better and for worse. Neuron, 67(5), 692–701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2010.08.035
(2) Eiland, L. S., & Todd, T. J. (2019). Considerations When Incorporating Technology Into Classroom and Experiential Teaching. The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG, 24(4), 270–275. https://doi.org/10.5863/1551-6776-24.4.270

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When thinking of the possibility that one day a kid who once was young and naive to the world, growing up into  today's technology world and exploring the internet, fear can come to mind. The rise of technology in our daily lives will only continue to grow as we become more dependent on it. It is the great responsibility of the parent to teach the young minds to use technology in a wise way. Yes, the world is now transforming into a technology dependent world, but there is still so much to life to enjoy that if we use devices in a good and healthy way we can still find pleasure in doing the everyday life things that make it so great!

Stamford American School Hong Kong gives five tips on teaching kids to use technology wisely at home (1) Here is what they had to say:

Model good technology use - With the demand of work and the expectation that has been set by society to always stay connected, it can be easy to find yourself always looking at the screen. By ensuring that you have the ability to put the devices down, your child will also follow the same by example. Be sure to engage in conversation, read a book, take a walk, and things such as this. Over time you will see the value and benefits of doing this!

Learn with your kids - Rather than make technology forign, make it a friend! Take the time to safely explore on your own time or with your child, apps that can be of interest. Because of the advancements that technology has made, parents now have the ability to block and limit the exposure their child has. This can also be done in the exploring process; learn what you want your child to see, or on the other hand, what you don't want them to be seeing. Overall, learn together and explore together… It will be a great learning process.

Tech-Free family time - Put in the family calendar “Tech-free time” as a way to ensure that everyone in the home gets a well deserved time to unwind. This can also be a time when meals are being served to put the devices down and spend time with family and engage in conversation.

Have a device contract - This is a healthy way to ensure that responsible technology use will take action! Drafting a contact where you and the child agree that there are reasons for restrictions and the word “no” will be important when making the transition. Of course, it is important to mention that the parent has the final say but having written and agreed upon rules can set the expectations.

Encourage Non-Tech Activities - One of the biggest challenges that can come with having time away from technology is boredom. We have become so attached that it can be hard to know what else there is to do besides scrill mindlessly through social media. Not only does this happen to adults, bit children as well. This is why it will be important to make sure that there are always activities to do! Enrolling your child in an extracurricular activity is a great way to help them stay active and get outside!

References:
(1) 5 tips for parents: How to use technology wisely at home. Stamford American School Hong Kong. (2020, February 7). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://www.sais.edu.hk/blog/5-tips-parents-how-use-technology-wisely-home/

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In the past five years, there has been a rapid increase in screen time among children and teens. Screen time consists of the use of phones, television, and computers whether that is the form of laptops or tablets(3). There are lots of ways to use your screen time. The two most common ways that people choose to use their electronics are either for entertainment or for work. Entertainment can be any social media platform or movie. Work can be either homework for classes or any apps you need for work that can be found on a device. In this article, we want to focus more on the pros and cons of screen time and then present ways to help you and your family come to a conclusion within your own household about screen time usage.

When thinking about if it is necessary to manage your child's screen time here are a few things to consider. They have found a link between higher screen time and a decrease in physical health in children and youth. It is important to remember that this does not always mean that screen time is the only effect on the decreasing numbers in physical health. There might be outside factors that are also contributing to these two subjects(3). This could be from snacking during your screen time. It can be hard to be aware of how much you are eating while looking at a screen. Another cause for concern is the lack of sleep children and youth are getting every night. The average children between the ages of 5 to 12 roughly need nine to twelve hours of sleep per night. Youth roughly need eight to ten hours of sleep. It is important to remember that not all children will need that many hours. There are other factors that come into play when determining how much sleep a person needs, so it will be different for each person. Another concern is the lack of social interaction children are getting. It will start with younger ages and their screen time use. Children learn best through face-to-face interactions(2).  They learn best by example, they will copy what they see other people doing. It is easy to think that since they learn by interactions you can put on an age-appropriate show and they can learn by watching them. But they have found that babies and toddlers won't engage with all of the content they are watching. They will only take in what holds their attention(2). That means that sometimes they are learning things that we don’t want them to know yet.

Knowing how much time to set for screen time in your family can be hard. There is no universal amount of screen time that is required of certain ages, it will mostly depend on the individual and their needs(3). Each person is unique and they all have different needs so like many other things screen time varies between homes and could vary between children. When setting a families screen time limit take into account the needs of the child or family, ultimately what they will be using their screen time for(1). The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health has suggested asking questions to discuss with your family to have everyone's input on-screen time. The questions they recommended are…

Is the screen time controlled in the home?

Is screen time interfering with your family time?

Is your use of screen time preventing you from sleeping or keeping you from sleeping?

Are you snacking during screen time? If you are, are you controlling the amount you are eating?

Make sure to have your family involved in the process of setting the limits on screen time. This can help them be more likely to keep the limit on their screen time limit or use their time more wisely(3).

Reference Page:
(1) Ashton, J. J. (2019). Screen time in children and adolescents: Is there evidence to guide parents and policy? Retrieved April 8, 2022, from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(19)30062-8/fulltext
(2) Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force, Ottawa, Ontario (2017). Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. Paediatrics & child health, 22(8), 461–477. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxx123
(3) Viner, R. (2019). RCPCH screen time guide - RCPCH | The Royal College of ... Retrieved April 9, 2022, from https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2018-12/rcpch_screen_time_guide_-_final.pdf