Use of Technology in Children and Considerations

The impact of technology and the internet on our lives is increasing day by day. Technological developments also offer people unlimited communication opportunities and the chance to access a lot of information easily.

But is this chance a problem that threatens our way of life and social fabric, or what effect does it have on our life?

Technology Provides Positive Contributions If Used Correctly.

Although it may worry you as parents from time to time, technological tools offer some opportunities if online programs and applications are used correctly and appropriately for children's cognitive and socio-emotional development levels. Studies show that the use of technological tools increases creativity and multi-faceted attention, helps children to receive and process visual information very quickly and can improve visual intelligence. In addition, many games are played by children and adolescents; It is known that supports the development of strategy, planning, and problem-solving skills.

Every child has fears and anger according to their age period. If children cannot find any way to express their fears, even if they are suppressed for a while, they may emerge with different but incompatible behavior patterns. However, the fears that are verbalized and processed through drawings or games can be put forward healthily, and thus, children's fears can be reduced. During adolescence, children's bodies and emotions change; As they step into adulthood, their fears arise due to the tension created by the effort to find their personalities. Leaving their childhood behind; Beginning to individuate is a big change for them, sometimes difficult to cope with. Any change can create anxiety.

Here, the most important issue to be considered about the games played by children and young people is the age limit. Your priority as parents; should be to check whether the content your child encounters on the games played on the internet and social platforms is suitable for his age.

 

The Use of Technology Shows Differences According to Age Periods.

Today, children begin to meet technology and show interest in technology from a very young age. One of the factors in acquiring this habit is that the young child takes the parent as a model. In addition, the use of devices such as television, phone, tablet as a calming agent when children cry or as a breather for tired parents is among the main reasons.

It is known that all kinds of screens do more harm than good to the child, especially when they are not used in a controlled and limited way at a young age. In front of the screen, the child is in a passive position and is in a one-sided communication. However, to be in a mutual relationship with the child's parent or caregiver; needs physical and emotional closeness such as hugging and touching. This relationship also forms the basis of learning in the following years. For this reason, in the 0-3 age period, at least until the age of 2, the child's contact with the screen should be almost non-existent.  

Recommendations for Use of Technology According to Age Periods;

•  In the 3-6 age period, the child may be in front of the screen for half an hour gradually, in communication with and under the control of an adult, but it should be noted that although the child is allowed to watch educational games and cartoons on the tablet, it should not be a tablet of his own.

•  Between the ages of 6 and 12, the child can be allowed to be in front of the screen alone for a maximum of one hour a day, but the child should be followed up within the framework of respect for private life, keeping in mind that the child's effort to communicate and make sense of what he sees and experiences continues at this age.

•  A mobile phone can be purchased as it provides a socialization environment for children aged 9-12. Although the family decides to take it beforehand, it is not recommended. Waiting and dreaming are as important and necessary as socializing for the child. Providing this opportunity by the family is a valuable experience.

•  From the age of 12, the child can start using the computer in a common area under family supervision. After the age of 12, this control can be gradually reduced.

Children should be made aware of the use of technology.

The important thing in this process is to inform the child correctly about the digital world and to teach children to protect themselves. It is known that some families use protective internet applications for this purpose, and these applications are supported by experts.

Changing the lifestyle, increasing the number of working mothers, replacing the game culture with virtual friendships and computer games are issues that trigger technology addiction and that parents should also focus on. The Internet has a great impact on children's education as it brings information access to homes and schools. However, the fact that the internet is not used properly and it has become an element used only for games and socialization instead of accessing information is an important factor that triggers addiction.

Technology addiction can become a problem that can negatively affect children's physical and psychological health.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS

Wrist Syndrome: It may come as a surprise that small movements while using the keyboard or mouse can cause illness. However, since it is repeated many times and continues for months and years, as a result of small hand movements, over time, especially in the wrist-level structures, deterioration occurs. The most common is wrist syndrome. In wrist syndrome, the median nerve is compressed at the wrist level in the wrist canal through which it passes, its structure has deteriorated and it cannot function. When the median nerve does not do its job, numbness and pain in the hand, decrease in thumb movements and handgrip strength occur, dexterity deteriorates, handicrafts that require delicacy cannot be performed.

Retention in the neck muscles: Staying in a certain posture for a long time causes the neck muscles to contract. This causes pain, stiffness, and numbness in the neck, sometimes in the back of the head along with the neck. Being stressed while working, having the monitor above the head level, maintaining the same head posture for a long time without changing it makes it easier to stiffen the neck.

Decreased sleep hours: Computer enthusiasts stay up late, saying they'll be up soon. However, they will get up in the morning and go to school. Television puts you to sleep; The computer, especially the internet, keeps people awake because it depends on their active contribution and interest. Computer enthusiast is at the computer until late at night. As a result of lack of sleep, he constantly feels tired, gets angry quickly, and his concentration power decreases.

Eye fatigue: Constantly looking at fixed point tires the eyes. Movement of the eyes is provided by 6 different muscles that move the eyeball. Also, when the eyes look near and far, the muscles inside the eye work, which camber and flatten the lens of the eye to focus the image on the retina. Constantly looking at a fixed point tire the eyes. In addition, the image and light setting on the screen are not well adjusted, and the flickering of the monitor light is also effective in eye fatigue. When insomnia is added to these, people who use computers for a long time experience a feeling of tiredness, redness, and burning in their eyes.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

•  The increase in the time spent on the Internet outside of the classroom and the development of addiction to this situation,

•  Lack of concentration and irritability, which can be seen in children due to changes in sleep patterns and insomnia,

•  Communication problems within the family, which may arise due to being unresponsive and sometimes overreacting if the family is warned about the time spent on the Internet,

•  Beginning to exhibit repetitive body movements (such as rocking or playing with fingers)

•  Too much time spent with computers, television, or game consoles affects social life, restriction of time spent with friends.

So How Should Parents Approach This Issue?

Children may tend to spend more time with computers and other technological tools, especially in an environment where they are unsupervised and free. So, some tips on coping and controlling your children's technology addiction will help your parents in this process:

•  Make sure that the computer and television are in common rooms.

•  The tendency of technology-addicted children to violence in the future is one of the important psychological consequences. In this context, inform children about how problems can be solved without resorting to violence and what consequences they may encounter if they turn to violence.

•  Warn those around you about the correct use of the Internet. In this way, ensure that your child can be controlled without you.

•  Inform your child about virtual friendships and give warnings as necessary.

•  Make a deal with your child to limit the time they spend on the internet, computer games, and television. Set days and times together.

•  To spend your free time, direct them to activities that you can have fun together and that were of interest to you as a child.

•  To reduce the effect of visual stimuli, you can direct him to physical, auditory, Article, Articleresponse, and mental activities. Activities such as theatre, music, dance, and various sports can help.