Digital Dependency – How it affects Children
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Digital Dependency – Understanding This Modern Problem
Digital dependency is a growing problem caused by overuse of smartphones, tablets and gaming. Technology can be very beneficial but there are serious concerns about its negative impacts. This condition reduces social interaction and the ability to learn vital interpersonal skills. These skills include eye contact, body language, and the ability to adapt our behavior to the situation. Poor social skills often result in misunderstandings, conflict and isolation.
Digital Dependency & Screentime Effects
Leads to a lack of empathy. Empathy; the ability to see other people’s viewpoint or relate to their situation. Many digital activities are solitary occupations that don’t require any social skills or consideration for others. Negative consequences could include loneliness, insomnia, eye strain and depression. Screentime effects is a recognized form of technology addiction, caused by excessive use of video games. This condition is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the symptoms include gaming to the detriment of everything else. Studies show that up to 10% of youth globally may suffer from screentime effects, and this condition is especially prevalent in China, where gaming is extremely popular. Boys tend to be more affected than girls, because gaming is generally more popular with boys than girls.
Modern Family life
It could be argued that modern family life is more challenging now than it was for previous generations. Traditionally, fathers went out to work, and the mothers stayed at home to look after the kids. Nowadays, both parents often work long hours in stressful jobs just to keep the ship afloat. Therefore, they can’t spend much time with their kids, and they are left to their own devices. Computer games are fantastic fun, and they allow children to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, overuse can result in digital dependency, causing both physical and mental health issues.
Therefore, it is important to establish boundaries and set limits for screentime. Family meals should be taken together, whereby no phones are allowed at the table, and active conversation is encouraged. Family outings involving physical exercise are great fun, and this could include hiking, biking, or just a leisurely stroll around a local park. Kids should also be encouraged to participate in something that doesn’t involve technology, such as sports, drawing or music. Every child has a talent, but the challenge is to discover and develop it.
How to prevent Digital Dependency
Perhaps most importantly, kids learn to cooperate and interact with others through play, and this won’t happen in isolation. Engaging with peers is not only great fun, but it also teaches invaluable life skills such as empathy, tolerance, and teamwork. Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for achieving success later in life. There are many great games that don’t involve computers. For example, outside games such as tag, hide and seek, and hopscotch can be great fun. And Monopoly and Scrabble are fantastic board games that teach children important skills, such as planning and vocabulary.
Another option worth considering is stackable dolls, especially for the under 9’s. The act of opening and closing the dolls and then placing them inside one another requires practice. This strengthens the muscles in the hands and fingers, essential for writing, drawing, and using tools. Children also learn how to recognize patterns and differentiate between different sizes. digital dependency is a real issue nowadays with kids, but there are great solutions that can benefit everyone. Childhood should be a special time full of fun, laughter, and play, not spent in isolation playing computer games.
