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- 20
Technology and Your Kids
Parent Tips
Times are changing, and the new generation of technologically advanced kids is coming into the world. Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to take a look at this phenomenon.
Mia Bolaris-Forget wrote an article for LI Families called, “Techno-Tots: Kids and Technology…Are Today’s Toys Harming Your Child?” In the changing times, she begins her article by referring to the Jetsons in saying, “Remember when we were growing up and most of us had imaginary friends and playmates, and the lifestyle of The Jetsons seemed more like obscure (unattainable) fantasy rather than a “normal” reality. Well, folks the “space age” is here, or at least well on its way, and it’s becoming a “real” part of your child’s “imaginary” world.”
Bolaris-Forget discusses the constant bombardment that comes when a child’s closet is turned into a toy store full of electronic goods that bridge “the gap between fantasy and truth, as virtual reality is quickly becoming more and more authentic.”
It seems, “the jury is still out on how they are affecting our children, socially, emotionally, mentally, and even academically,” explains Bolaris-Forget. It’s important to remember that these electronic toys are constantly surrounding our children, and possibly influencing them in some manner.
In explaining the research conducted thus far, she says, “Researchers stress the importance of paying close attention at the perhaps not so readily noticeable affects and implications virtual toys are having on our children. Many have already begun extensive research into how it is affecting how children perceive and understand life and reality. With toys such as Furbys (able to conduct conversations with the use of over 800 phrases), and other techno pals, children are exposed to playmates and pets that seem to “evolve” and grow (similarly to humans) but that never age, get sick, or really die. And, experts suggest that, that may pose potentially powerful changes in our understanding of life (or lack thereof) and in our psychology.”
And she goes on to state, “Another concern experts have is that these “thinking” toys are causing our children to be less creative (since they don’t have to use their imagination as much) and are actually hindering their developmental progress by doing the “thinking” or “problem solving” for our kids, stifling intellectual growth, shortening attention spans, undermining relationships, and ultimately proving to be a waste of money, as they quickly become outmoded by newer, better technology.”
Of course there’s nothing conclusive yet, but it’s important to at least reflect on this matter of a changing world – and what that means for your little ones. We’ll be delving a little deeper into the matter next week so stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Daddy Nickell’s Daughter
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Tags: Daddy Nickell, Daddy Nickell's Daughter, LI Families, Mia Bolaris-Forget, parent tips, Techno Tots, Technology, The DaddyScrubs Blog
