How To Embrace Technology

I recently got into a debate with another parent on Facebook about whether or not kids should be learning to embrace technology. The other parent was one of those parents who won’t buy their kid a tablet and won’t let them use a smartphone. She wants her kids to “be kids” and not be “tethered to an electronic babysitter”. You know the type of parent I’m talking about. Think of all the benefits there are if its used the right way. You may not want your kid playing Call of Duty Black Ops 1111, but there are educational apps. 

 

Cute WALL-E Robot

Clinging to nostalgia and trying to recreate your own childhood for your child is doing them a disservice. Technology is a major part of the world today. If you don’t allow your child to learn how to use it, they will fall behind other children. I agree that there is a responsible way to use technology. But completely limiting technology is not a good idea. Even though you use a cell phone spy app on them. 

 

Show Them How To Use It

If your child doesn’t know how to use technology, that doesn’t make them a special outlier. Your child won’t have the same resources that other kids have when it comes to a good education. Down the line they won’t be able to get the same jobs as other kids. They will be behind the learning curve when it comes to technology, and education and jobs are very competitive. 

I’m not saying that kids should be given free and unfettered access to technology. Or that they should spend every minute using tablets and smartphones. But they should spend some time on those devices and know how to use them. Spending time on the computer isn’t bad, as long as that time is used to encourage learning and creativity. Those are skills that kids are going to need.

 

Child Using An iPad
Technology And Kids

Studies have shown that giving kids access to technology can improve their cognitive skills, problem-solving skills, and memory. Technology and social media can also teach kids how to cooperate with others which is important as you get older. So before you decide that your kids don’t need technology or that its hurting them, do some research. Read about the many ways that technology can be beneficial. 

Then you can decide if you want to buy a tablet or a smartphone for your child. Trying to give your child the technology free childhood could end up backfiring on you. Like when your child doesn’t have the technology skills or social skills they need to get a great job. Don’t hold your kids back just because you have feelings against technology. Learn to embrace technology instead of shunning it. 

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