The Impact of Technology on Your Kids: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Aug 02, 2024The Impact of Technology on Your Kids: What Every Parent Needs to Know
How many times have you called for your child to do something, only to check in a bit later and realize they didn’t hear a word you said because they were locked-in on a screen? Or sometimes you get 'lucky' and are met with a delayed, distracted response. Sound familiar? It's a scenario playing out in countless homes today, and it got me thinking about how technology is shaping our children's lives.
Watch on YouTube or listen on Raising Faithful Families podcast.
Everywhere you look, kids are consumed by screens. On car rides, each child has a device in hand. At restaurants, screens have replaced family conversations. Evenings and summer breaks are often spent in front of the TV. Kids as young as preschoolers are scrolling through TikTok, and by third grade, many are asking their parents if they can create their own YouTube channel. Our preteens and teens often equate their self-worth with the number of followers they have on social media. Keeping them from creating secret, public accounts can become a full-time job.
Some parents recognize how out of control the situation has become but feel it’s too far gone to change. Others hold the reins extremely tight, often unaware of their kids' 'finsta' and 'spam' accounts. And then there’s the vast spectrum of families somewhere in between. Personally, I consider myself pretty intentional with technology, and yet the most effective consequence for my child right now is still connected to a loss of technology privileges. That’s what he wants to lose the least, and extra screen time is a huge motivator for him as well.
No matter where you fall on that spectrum, it's impossible to claim technology has no impact on your children today. So, let’s dive into the real effects of technology on our kids and what we, as parents, need to be aware of.
The Digital Age Dilemma: How Technology is Shaping Our Kids
It’s no secret that technology has become an integral part of our lives, and its presence in our children’s lives is more pronounced than ever. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average child spends over seven hours a day on screens. This statistic alone is enough to make any parent pause and consider the implications.
Physical Health: Excessive screen time is linked to numerous physical health issues. It can lead to poor sleep, decreased physical activity, and even obesity. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep patterns, making it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, the sedentary nature of screen use contributes to a lack of physical activity, which is essential for healthy growth and development.
Mental and Emotional Health: The psychological impact of technology on children is profound. Studies have shown that prolonged screen use can reduce attention spans, increase anxiety, and contribute to addictive behaviors. Social media, in particular, has been linked to feelings of inadequacy and depression in teens. The constant comparison to others’ seemingly perfect lives can take a toll on a child’s self-esteem and mental well-being.
Social Skills: The ability to communicate face-to-face is a crucial skill that children are missing out on due to excessive screen time. The art of conversation, reading body language, and developing empathy are all at risk. Children who spend more time interacting with screens than with people may struggle with social interactions and building meaningful relationships.
To put a personal touch on these statistics, let’s hear from other parents who have faced similar concerns:
Jane noticed her once-active son now prefers video games over playing outside. “It’s like pulling teeth to get him to do anything else,” she said. Jane’s story is not unique. Many parents find it challenging to compete with the instant gratification that technology offers.
Charlie observed his daughter becoming more irritable and withdrawn after hours of social media use. “She used to be so bubbly, but now she’s constantly checking her phone and seems anxious,” he shared. The impact of social media on children’s mental health is a growing concern among parents.
If we listen to our children, we’ll hear a mix of feelings. “I like playing games, but sometimes I feel tired and don’t want to do anything else,” one child admitted. Another mentioned feeling anxious about missing out on online interactions. Their friends were known to keep tabs on how long they were left on ‘delivered’. These insights from kids highlight the complex relationship they are developing with technology.
Recognizing the Signs: Is Your Child Affected?
How can you tell if your child is being negatively affected by too much screen time? Here are some signs to watch for:
Behavioral Signs:
- Withdrawal from Family Activities: Does your child prefer screen time over spending time with the family to the point of dreading one and looking forward to the other?
- Mood Swings: Are there noticeable changes in your child’s mood, such as increased irritability or frustration that you’ve noticed has a link to time spent on technology?
- Decline in Academic Performance: Has there been a drop in grades or a lack of interest in schoolwork? Is homework a daily battle they rush through to get to their screen time?
Physical Symptoms:
- Eye Strain and Headaches: Does your child complain of headaches or eye discomfort after screen use?
- Fatigue: Is your child more tired than usual, possibly due to poor sleep patterns?
- Lack of Physical Activity: Has your child become less active and more sedentary?
Emotional and Social Indicators:
- Increased Anxiety or Depression: Has your child shown signs of anxiety or depression, particularly after using social media?
- Difficulty in Social Interactions: Does your child struggle with face-to-face communication or building relationships?
- Dependence on Screens for Entertainment: Does your child find it hard to entertain themselves without a screen?
Bringing Awareness: Understanding the Underlying Issues
The key to managing technology’s impact is largely related to balance and boundaries. Technology isn’t inherently bad, but moderation and mindful usage are crucial. Here’s how you can start addressing the issue:
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish specific times for screen use and stick to them. Encourage activities that don’t involve screens, like reading, playing outside, or engaging in hobbies.
Model Healthy Habits: Children often mimic their parents’ behavior. Show them the importance of unplugging by setting an example. Limit your own screen time and engage in family activities that don’t involve technology.
Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of the home, such as the dining room and bedrooms, as tech-free zones to encourage family interaction and better sleep habits.
Encourage Open Communication: Talk to your children about the effects of technology and the importance of balancing screen time with other activities. Listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions.
Monitor and Guide: Keep an eye on your children’s screen use and guide them towards age-appropriate content. Be aware of the apps and websites they’re using and discuss the potential risks.
Invitation to a Solution
While this post aims to bring awareness to the issue, I know that many of you are looking for practical, step-by-step solutions. That’s why I created the 'Keeping Kids Busy Without Screens' workshop. This workshop provides actionable strategies to help you manage screen time effectively and maximize faith through spiritual engagement.
Join us in the workshop to take the first step towards a healthier balance for your family.
Let’s work together to ensure our children grow up healthy, happy, and engaged with the world around them.
Author
Katy Bordeaux is a Certified Parenting & Family Coach and the founder of both Covenant Collections and Kingdom Purpose Moms. Passionate about guiding families to thrive, Katy combines biblical wisdom with practical parenting strategies to help parents build strong, faith-filled homes. Connect with her for more resources and support on your parenting journey.
Follow Covenant Collections:
For more resources, visit Covenant Collections.
