Digital technologies....and children...
- edevolution
- Oct 17, 2017
- 2 min read
Recent discussions with parents and grandparents have highlighted concerns about the amount of time our children are spending in front of screens.
How often when out and about, do you see children in cars looking at the screens on the back of headrests in front of them? Or sitting at cafes and restaurants holding a screen, eyes down for the duration?
As a CRT this week, my Year 1 class were beginning to eat their lunch and a child asks, "Can you put something on to watch?", meaning connect a video from my laptop to the SmartBoard. No, not on my watch. Instead, I talk to them, remind them of their table manners if necessary, and chat about having enough water to drink on such a warm day etc. On other occasions I read them a story, taking the opportunity to delight them with someone's literary work. The children are enthralled and deserve it!
I worry that some of our young ones come to depend on devices and screens to keep them entertained. I had to set limits for my own sons as they were growing up. No such thing as iPads back then, but they did have GameBoys, access to a computer, videos and Xbox a little later on. Our home rules included no access on school nights, except for the computer if required for homework research, and time limits on a weekend and school holidays. Being firm with these rules meant there was nothing to debate, and I believe the boys had a good balance with other activities, especially playing outside.
If use of digital devices, including mobile phones, are contentious issues in your household, visit Dr Kristy Goodwin's website for timely tips, advice and reassurance!
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