People tend to only mention the positive effects of distance learning, thanks to the pandemic. But good always comes with bad. Let us discover them for you!
With a two-year period mostly spent online, the education system has encountered new problems related to children's mental and social health. Research shows that increased use of technology can affect children's literacy, critical thinking, and ability to communicate face-to-face. However, technology is mainly used to facilitate knowledge dissemination. So, as long as it is used as a tool and not a way of life, it can help children learn more. This article will cover the common harms of prolonged technology use and how to overcome them.
Recent studies have shown that heavy smartphone use has increased the occurrence of post-traumatic symptoms in children during pandemics. It also impairs sleep quality and memory. In addition to the use of smartphones, the online school industry has exploded over the past few years, offering most children the opportunity to study from the comfort of their own homes as a viable alternative to waiting for the public school system to be locked down. So, with 39% of the US population of children between the ages of 5 and 8 using their smartphones for an average of 64 minutes a day, the online education system has tripled the amount of time children spend on their smartphones. I sat in front of the device. technology, whether it's a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The negative effects of this increased time using technology are immediately noticed by parents and children, manifesting in problems with concentration, lack of sleep, exhaustion, and general stress. Not to mention the impact on children's overall physical health, leading to obesity, cardiovascular effects, and reduced muscle tissue and mobility. This whole situation may seem serious for the mental and physical health of children, but with responsible parental guidance and participation in community activities, children can be protected from these negative effects. Here is a list of the negative effects that can arise from long-term technology use and how to avoid them.
The impact of technology on general health
From depression to social anxiety, children can be exposed, especially through social media platforms, to mental health issues. The general idealistic, perfect image that social media creates can promote, as reports from Facebook show low self-esteem and increased suicide rates due to depression and heart problems. On top of that, tech gadgets run on AI algorithms that make accessing internet content easier, whether through AI autocorrect, autofill, or a simple interface to access widgets in one click. All these simplifications cause the brain to use only a minimal percentage of its capacity. What are the exact negative effects of technology on children's mental health and how can they be avoided?
Distorted self-image
There is a psycho-analytical theory that six-month-old babies reach the mirror stage. At the mirror stage, the child develops the ability to identify himself, being able to recognize himself in the mirror as an independent person. With frequent use of technology from an early age, the child may lose the ability to rationalize himself as someone with specific traits. For example, young girls who follow celebrities' social media accounts may have the false impression that if they copy the behavior of these celebrities, they will look just like them in the near future and live the lavish life promoted on social media. These young girls may dress and pose inappropriately for their age; additionally, as their bodies change naturally, they may eventually reject the natural differences that appear between their real body and the distorted and unreal image of their body.
Counter-attack:
Parents can take unfiltered pictures of their children and compliment them on their looks;
Educating children about the importance of privacy (exposing your body and posting personal information on social networks is not safe);
Educate children about the differences between people (everyone should not be the same and the same, diversity is positive);
Analphabetism
Smartphones and computer software use AI to automatically correct or fill in written text. This prevents children from using language correctly and reduces the brain's ability to make logical correlations between sounds and letters or symbols.
Counter-attack:
Make a reading schedule for classic literature. Parents should set a good example by using proper grammar and a wide vocabulary around their children;
Engage in dialogue and encourage debate with children on user-friendly topics;
Reduce critical thinking
Since technology makes things easier, children are discouraged from using logic or mathematical thinking, so they won't be able to compare, correlate, or contrast concepts.
Counter-attack:
Provide interactive and physical games such as Rubik's cube, puzzles, or chess board;
Play entertaining mind games with your child;
Involve your child in everyday activities such as shopping or cooking (these activities require math operations);
Reduced empathy
Virtual reality games give children the feeling that their actions are not harmful to other people or animals, or that if they put themselves in danger, they can always "reboot" the game. This idea can encourage children to make dangerous and risky decisions.
Counter-attack:
Involving children in gardening activities (this will teach them how to care for and be gentle with nature). It will also energize them and help them boost their relaxation, confidence, and happiness.);
Have children participate in volunteer work at animal camps;
Poor physical health
There is too much research showing that spending too much time on computers or other technological devices affects muscle growth and healthy body positions. Studies also show that the younger generations are suffering from bone and muscle diseases at a much younger age, such as arthritis, neck pain, herniated discs, or even cardiovascular disease. Diseases that used to appear over 50-60 years old, now emerge at 20+ years old.
Counter-attack:
Plan to spend more time in nature, whether it's a simple hike or a hike through the woods;
Enroll your child in sporting activities such as rock climbing or swimming;
Play old games outdoors with your child (jumping rope, hide and seek, hopscotch);
Overall, the easiest way to combat and reduce the negative impact of technology on our overall health is to reduce time using technology and increase time spent with nature and others. Parents or adults teach their children best by setting an example, so if children see their parents engaged in fun activities that don't involve the use of technology, they will naturally trade technology for healthy activity.
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