Gone are the days, when families used to wait for a fixed and very limited time of TV transmission programmes. International phone calls were for a much reduced duration with a high cost. Type writers were used for script writing. No access to computer technology and to book holidays online.
Things, however, have changed tremendously and to a terrifying extent with a supersonic speed, and amazingly enough in a very short span of 10-20 years. These advancements in technologies, no doubt, have brought many comforts to life and has transformed the world into a global village. From increase in life expectancy by devising and exploring new pathways in medical treatment to cosmetic surgeries, to online ordering of food, world is moving forward and changing continuously every minute of the day. People are just a click away to be connected with others for unlimited time including the exchange of visuals. People can share information with each other on any subject and topic.
Very young children have access to high technological gadgets and they use them quite smartly. They can have access to different apps on their phones and watch different programmes from the comfort of their bedrooms. They can meet and chat people across the continents with no geographical constraints.
However, we are still not very sure, if these technologies are really helpful or it is a source of a problem, especially when it comes to very young children. Notwithstanding the comforts and luxuries of new technological development, these new changes also have brought enormous discomforts and anxieties amongst parents. Parents are in a dilemma whether to allow their children to have access to these modern gadgets or not? Or if they allow them, should there be any time limit? And if yes, then for how long? And most importantly, when and at what age a child should have an access to these gadgets?
Some professionals including parents are totally against the use of these gadgets for many reasons. However, we need to understand that there are many strong reasons for allowing children to have access to them:
- These gadgets can essentially be used for academic learning.
- Children need entertainment and they can easily watch their own favourite programmes and relax.
- They also need to be connected with their friends.
- They should not feel ‘deprived’ when they compare themselves with their peers.
- There are many teaching programmes which can benefit children emotional and social wellbeing.
So these technologies are not bad in themselves, rather the usage of it can make children quite vulnerable especially when we hear stories about cyber bullying, and its impact on children’s mental health. Also children can watch explicit programme not suitable for their mental age. They can meet a dubious person online who is not going to miss any opportunity to pounce and attack on the most innocent and vulnerable population.
So, here comes the role of the parents/caregivers to be vigilant and be aware of what their children are accessing on the net? Who are they sharing information with? And how much time should be given to a child to stay on these gadgets? However, a million dollar question is that where to put boundaries and limits. These boundaries and limits need to be established from the very beginning as it will make life much easier for the parents and caregivers. These setting of limits and boundaries will also help children develop self-discipline.
Despite setting up limits, some children will still struggle to know what and how much personal information need to be shared online with strangers. And the fear is that once the information is shared it becomes a property at the receiver end and it is up to his/her discretion how to use it. This decision of information sharing is quite difficult even for adults so what should be expected from children.
First, if parents establish a good daily routine from the very beginning for their children, then it will be easy for the parents to set boundaries. If a child finishes everything expected from him/her, then there is no harm allowing the child to use gadget. I would strongly advise parents not to allow children to play/games promoting/projecting violence/biases as this can be very harmful for the child’s mental health. Children can have access to these gadgets as per their developmental age. Unfortunately, children are not given alternative options as well, like encouraging them to play active sports such as swimming, football, cricket, etc. It is again very unfortunate that parents do not give quality time to their children by sitting and playing board games which our generation used to love, like snake and ladder, cards, monopoly, etc.