The world is in an ever evolving state; the standards and traditions of one generation will often not be the same for the generations to follow—but this isn’t a bad thing at all. As a society grows, it learns to adapt with various trends of the time, this can be seen the most in our children. Children today have grown in a time of great technological change, and while it’s an effort for many to keep up, for them it is a second nature.
The way technology and computer science is viewed amongst the varying generations shows stark contrast in what we find to be important; older generations have little trouble forgoing technology for personal use by and large, whereas children now, only know a world dependent on technology. So why wouldn’t they look at a computer or a cell phone differently than their parent, or their grandparent?
The world is ever-evolving; the standards and traditions of one generation will often not be the same for the generations to follow—but this isn’t a bad thing at all. As a society grows, it learns to adapt with various trends of the time; this can be seen the most in our children. Children today have grown in a time of significant technological change, and while it’s an effort for many to keep up, for them, it is a second nature.
The way technology and computer science is viewed amongst the different generations shows stark contrast in what we find to be influential; older generations have little trouble forgoing technology for personal use by and large, whereas children now, only know a world dependent on technology. So why wouldn’t they look at a computer or a cell phone differently than their parent or their grandparent?
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that children have become much more reliant on technology as a crucial tool for being socially connected. This is a process that is further perpetuated by many school systems starting to integrate more technology use, to both limit the amount of funds used, while at the same time trying to maximize the amount of information that their students have access to.
The thought of forgoing different technologies in the minds of most of today’s children is unfathomable; for them to be disconnected is the social equivalent of being forgotten by their friends. Adults understand this to be nothing more than an exaggerated and overdramatic response, but that’s primarily since we know there to be other ways to engage with ourselves and with others. In a world where technology has run rampant, it’s difficult for children to find this truth for themselves.
The world is an entirely different place than it was 30 years ago or even ten years ago, and technology has skewed this exponentially; the world changes drastically within much shorter time spans now. Technology that is commonplace today was something only thought of in science-fiction several years ago, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s here and it’s more than the “cool toy” to kids, it’s a way of life. It’s easy to see a laptop or a cell phone in a child’s hand and think of it as nothing more than a toy, but to them, it’s become an extension of their voices. Taking these tools from them may feel like an emotional equivalent to taking away fundamental rights, again this is an overly dramatic representation, but as children, we’ve all been prone to be overly dramatic. Though it may feel excessively dramatic, it is a genuine feeling for them.
Today’s kids will often know how to navigate Internet Explorer and computer systems, better than they know how to tie their shoes. This isn’t to imply that we’ve become confused as to what is essential, only that how we operate in a social setting has changed entirely. It’s for this reason when approaching children; there has to be a completely different mindset taken (especially younger than 15 in understanding) and their habits with various electronics.
Many practices can be used to help curb a child’s attachment to technology. However, it is essential to first distinguish for yourself the true worth and value of certain electronics that children will place on their gadgets and gizmos. Engaging with children and being present in their beginnings of technology usage will help forge a stronger relationship, one in which the child can feel a little more open and honest as they grow up. Staying aware of what a child’s interest are will give insight into where they’re diverging their attention, on line and anywhere else.
The thought of forgoing different technologies in the minds of most of today’s children is unfathomable; for them to be disconnected is the social equivalent of being forgotten by their friends. Adults understand this to be nothing more than an exaggerated and overdramatic response, but that’s primarily due to the fact that we know there to be other ways to engage with ourselves and with others. In a world where technology has run rampant it’s difficult for children to find this truth for themselves.
The world is a completely different place than it was 30 years ago or even 10 years ago, and technology has skewed this exponentially; the world changes drastically within much shorter time spans now. Technology that is commonplace today was something only thought of in science-fiction several years ago, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s here and it’s more than the “cool toy,” to kids, it’s a way of life. It’s easy to see a laptop, or a cell phone in a child’s hand and think of it as nothing more than a toy, but to them it’s become an extension of their voices.Taking these tools from them may feel like an emotional equivalent to taking away basic rights, again this is an overly dramatic representation, but as children we’ve all been prone to be overly dramatic. Though it may feel overly dramatic is a very real feeling for them.
Today’s kids will often know how to navigate Internet Explorer and computer systems, better than they know how to tie their shoes. This isn’t to imply that we’ve become confused as to what is important, only that the way in which we operate in a social setting has changed entirely. It’s for this reason when approaching children, there has to be a completely different mindset taken, (especially younger than 15 in understanding,) and their habits with various electronics.
There are many practices that can be used to help curb a child’s attachment to technology, however it is important to first distinguish for yourself the true worth and value of certain electronics that children will place on their gadgets and gizmos. Engaging with children and being present in their beginnings of technology usage will help forge a stronger relationship, one in which the child can feel a little more open and honest as they grow up. Staying aware of what a child’s interest are will give insight into where they’re diverging their attention, on line and anywhere else.