Over the past decade, there has been a tremendous improvement in technology. Unlike in the past where only adults and specific individuals were able to get access to various technological devices, the present is characterized by scenarios where children as young as ten years old have access to those devices. Present day technology includes the use of devices that can access the web. The internet is filled with all kinds of information that can be accessed by these devices. Over time, there has been a debate on whether technology is beneficial or detrimental to children. There have been arguments that the use of smartphones, iPads, personal computers, and other technological devices help children to access most of the learning resources that they require. Such claims have been countered by the fact the internet does not filter the kind of information that is accessed by children (Hendricks 36). The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether or not technology is useful or harmful to children. After careful consideration, it is noted that continuous innovation of technology that can be accessed by children is more harmful than useful.
One of the reasons why technological devices which access the internet are disposed at children’s reach is because there are other useful things that they can be used for. (Hendricks 36). However, while trying to access the useful materials, children are likely to wander on the web and probably land into information that is harmful or causes anxiety for the children, making them want to experiment with the information they find. While browsing on the web, children are likely to run into political opinions. Since they are still young, they cannot differentiate between the right and wrong political information. As a result, they can absorb ideas that promote wrong ideologies such as racism and ethnicity. This makes them to have stereotypic personalities at a young age. Some of them may be difficult to erase even when they become adults.
With technology, young scholars can interact with each other to discuss the useful content online especially concerning their studies. Most of the online programs are content-centered and do not play a role in developing the personal skills of a child. They aim at transmitting the required content for the curriculum but do not have a system to evaluate the practical skills. A good memory does not necessarily translate to skills. Technology limits the frequency of practicing such skills, extending the advantage to those children that have a good memory for evaluation. Parents and teachers concentrate more on the communication bit of learning (Hendricks 36). They have paid less attention to the creativity side of it. Children who spend long hours on their devices become less creative in art and science. They have minimal decision-making skills and can barely handle the real-life situation. Most of them develop eye problems as others lead sedentary lifestyles, causing them to be lazy and vulnerable to lifestyle diseases.
Based on the discussion, one can conclude that the disadvantages of technology for children outweigh the advantages. Such levels of technology should be introduced when individuals are older. There is minimal essence for one to concentrate on building the technological skills for a child while overlooking the things which matter more such as creativity and their health. Much as the technology has some advantages, it has challenges too.
Works Cited
Hendricks, Clara. "Children and Technology: Ten Ways to Help Parents Navigate Technology with Children." Children and Libraries, vol 13, no. 2, 2015, p. 36. American Library Association, doi:10.5860/cal.13n2.36.
