Technology is a great and important tool. When used correctly, it can lead to extraordinary results. The same applies when it's used poorly, leading to unpredictable, negative outcomes.
Right now, what I mostly see is that almost all parents are giving their children (even from their first year!) a tablet or a phone. This is simply to stop their kids from bothering them by keeping them occupied with something to play with. This helps occupy them in the moment, but it will lead to a higher level of problems later on.
Mentioned articles: Webmd ،Health
The issue isn't with technology itself, but with how it's used. I love keeping up with the latest tech news and tools; I even studied computer science. I've learned a lot about the dependencies that can result from unplanned technology use.
The Three Main Problems
There are three main problems that can harm children:
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Blue Light and Screen Time: Blue light is simply a spectrum of light the eye can see. It comes from natural sources like the sun and artificial sources like screens. Natural light is beneficial, but problems arise from artificial blue light. Since most people use their phones daily and around the clock, blue light is becoming increasingly harmful for both adults and children. Long-term exposure will lead to many eye problems, especially for children whose eyes, brains, and bodies are still developing. Studies have found that blue light leads to the production of toxic molecules in the eye's photoreceptor cells, which can cause macular degeneration (blurry central vision). These effects are particularly strong in children, who have a harder time filtering light than adults. Alongside these issues, children may also experience obesity, concentration problems, and nearsightedness.
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In-App Advertisements: The second problem relates to ads that children might see, even with parental controls and other device options turned on. Adults can differentiate between right and wrong, good and evil, but children can't. A couple of days ago, I was playing a bubble game on my phone, and an ad with sexual innuendos suddenly appeared. What happens if a child sees this ad, and how will it affect their subconscious? This could lead them to immediately open the ad to see more. Of course, their curiosity would also push them to explore it further.
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The Type of Game/App and TV Show/Movie: This is the most serious problem. Most people ignore the details of war and killing games for a child who is 10 years old or younger. What do you think these games and shows will produce? A productive and good person, or an angry, damaged person who wants to apply what they learned in the game or app? Of course, you've heard about the Blue Whale Challenge, which led to the death of many children, along with a long list of other horrific, life-threatening games and challenges.
Is it really worth it to keep your kids busy with anything they can do, regardless of what it is or what its outcome might be? I don't think so.
I've decided that when I have children, I won't give them phones or tablets until they are at least 12 years old. Instead, I'll give them a book to read and learn from, a musical instrument, or a board game like chess.
Please understand, metaphorically, a child is like dough, and parents shape this dough however they want. Parents are the main source of responsibility for how their children develop and grow. Yes, there are some exceptions, but no matter what happens, be with your kids in their very early lives.
Be with them, teach them well, and don't use bad words or do bad things. Thankfully, I was raised in a house where there was no foul language, and as a result, when I hear any bad word, my ears literally hurt; I mean it. It's painful, and I feel the pain in them.
Children will grow up and become adults, and in most cases, they get their influences and reactions from their parents. So please, be good to them so they will be good to you later on.
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