The Benefits and Drawbacks of Letting Children Use Technology
As parents, the list of concerns we have for our children is basically endless. Is the food I am providing them with meeting their nutritional needs? Are they getting enough sleep at night? Will I have enough saved to help pay for their college? These questions, as well as others, are always on our mind as we strive to do our best to ensure they are receiving the care they need. However, in today’s technology-driven society, another question seems to have become the norm, when do I introduce my children to technology such as mobile devices?
In this post, we are going to take a look at a couple of benefits and the drawbacks of introducing children to technology. Additionally, we will take a look at some ways to protect those expensive devices should you decide that now is the time for your child to explore the technological world.
Keeping Devices Protected from Damage
Before delving into the pros and cons of letting kids use technology, let’s touch on a related topic: making sure these expensive devices are protected from damage in the event kids use them. One of the best ways to protect that expensive device is to purchase a case for it. There are many available in different designs and in varying price ranges. From a slip-on dense rubber sleeve to complete encasement systems, finding one that fits your needs will not be an issue.
A more streamlined way to protect a device is with a screen protector. The best tempered glass screen protector available to consumers is stronger than steel, prevents cracks, and keeps the screen from getting scratched up.
Another method for protecting your device is to get insurance coverage. No matter how much you try to protect it, devices seem to find a way of getting broken. While insurance for mobile devices may seem overly priced initially, just think about how much you paid for that tablet or smartphone in the first place.
Benefits of Children Using Technology
The first benefit of an early introduction to technology for the little ones is that technology is everywhere. From shopping to driving a car, technology has been infused into our daily lives. Even most schools assign computers to their students to help with their educational process and some even use touchscreen devices such as tablets.
The next benefit we will look at is how an early introduction to technology can help to improve cognitive functions. Studies have shown that by using technology early on, children have demonstrated better cognitive skills development and have done so much faster than those children that have not been introduced to technology at a younger age.
Potential Drawbacks to Kids Using Devices
One drawback to technology is its cost. Mobile devices can cost about as much as a used car and as your child grows, their desire for more technology will increase, causing financial strains on family budgets. However, with proper financial planning, families will be able to keep up with improved devices without a sudden hit on the bank account.
Our next drawback is that interpersonal and social skills seem to suffer when children are introduced to technology at a young age. Children have demonstrated a lack of desire to participate in family activities and displayed different emotional ranges when faced with certain social situations. While this may sound like a significant drawback, it can be controlled. Limiting the amount of time your child spends on their devices and ensuring they are being socially active will help to mitigate the damage to their social and interpersonal skills.
The world has become a technological environment and surrounds us in just about every aspect of day-to-day living. The decision to introduce your children to technology is an important one. An early introduction can help your child to understand the opportunities it can bring and can help with the development of cognitive functions. With limitations and supervision, there are very few reasons to support not introducing your child to technology.