How Technology has Impacted Parenting

1543 Words4 Pages

Ever feel vanquished in the shifting, forever changing worlds of technology and mass media? Most parents today work hard trying to find a balance between trying to keep up, and staying ahead of what their children are doing. Between devices like cell phones, iPods, and other music players that have access to the Internet, game systems as great as yesterdays computers, and with all of this exposure to mass media, how can you be sure your child is being exposed to suitable content? As kids get older, too much screen time can intervene with activities such as being physically active, reading, doing homework, playing with others, and being with family. Although, teens are not alone, grown-ups are not much different than adolescents in spending too much time on gadgets; the effects of this also come with all kinds of dangers, as well as major benefits that help teens figure out who they are. There is no doubt that there are major benefits to this. “The discussions and debates would be endless but the past of the present natural or man-made, technological evolution or not, I believe it’s the basic human relationship that binds us together” (Lucksom). As young teens pilot this strange world, they are developing the expertise that is vital to their educational success and, eventually, their ability to compete in this global economy. The same digital screens that give young teen’s access to the world of friends, entertainment, and information also give telecommuters, internet marketing professionals, and producers complete access to them. As well as amusement and communicating for 53 hours a day, young children and youth are consuming powerful information that will help them understand who they are and how they should think and eve... ... middle of paper ... ...re them with others. The child only needs to have technology that is suitable for them, just because their peers may have it is not a reason another child should. Works Cited Dowsnen, Steven. “How TV Affects Your Child.” N.p. October 2011. Kid’s Health.Web. 20 November 2011. Gensneimer, Jolene. “Technology and Childhood.” Parent Map. Smith, Jere. 3 Feburary 2007. Web. November 2011. Johnson, Alandra. “Parenting: 10 Years of Change.” Johnson, Alandra. 8 January 2011. Web. November 2011. Lucksom, Lizabeth. “Impact of Technology on Free Natural Play.” n.p. Healthy Life. 11 April 2011. Web. November 2011. Scelfo, Julie. “ The Risks of Parenting While Plugged In.” n.p. New York Times. 9 June 2010. Web. 21 November 2011. Today Moms. “Are you worried technology is impacting your kid’s ability to communicate face to face?” Today Moms. n.p. January 2010 November 2011.

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