Journal Entry 3

Children are impacted almost every day by as society starts integrating technology into almost everything we do and making life ‘simpler’ for us. Infants watch an average of 2.5 hours of television a day and 25% have a television in their bedroom (Rowan, 2010). While 3 and 4 year olds are watch an average of 3 and 4 year olds are watching an average of 4.5 hours of television a day. Children also have access to other forms of “entertainment technology” (Rowan, 2010) and spend an average of 7.5 hours per day using technology (Rowan, 2010) such as iPads, smartphones, laptops, computers and televisions. “Entertainment technology (TV, Internet, video games, iPads, and cell phones) has advanced so rapidly, that families have scarcely noticed the significant impact and changes to their family structure and lifestyles (Rowan, 2013).” Children are constantly being impacted and influenced by the technology around them and with more and more ece centres using iPads and computers they rarely get a break.

Children are physically impacted by the use of too much technology through development delays. One of development delays of children using too much technology are that “30% of children entering kindergarten are “developmentally vulnerable” - lacking in those basic skills they need to thrive in school and in the future (Rowan, 2010).” Biologically children’s developing sensory, motor and attachment systems have not evolved to adapt to the constant use of today’s technology (Rowan, 2013). Rapidly advancing technology impact on the developing child has created an increase of diagnosed physical, psychological and behaviour disorders that education and health systems are only just able to detect, let alone understand.

Technology can also quickens and supplements basic skills. Students who have more access to technology can become engrossed quickly into the data, and are able to absorb more knowledge faster (Hatch, 2011). Children can also improve “visual-spatial capabilities, increase attentional ability, reaction times, and the capacity to identify details among clutter (Taylor, 2012).” Technology helps make children different rather than making them stupid (Taylor, 2012).

 For me personally I am not a big fan of children using technology constantly and believe that under 5’s don’t need to being using tablets, iPads or computers. I think children are better off doing something out and active. If a child needs to do a puzzle they can always use a really physical puzzle rather than one of an iPad that automatically fits the pieces in when they swipe it over the top. 

References

Hatch, K. E. (2011). Determining the Effects of Technology on Children. USA: University of Rhode Isaland.

Rowan, C. (2010). A research review regarding the impact of technology on child development, behavior, and academic performance. USA.

Rowan, C. (2013, 07 29). The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child. Huffington Post.

Taylor, J. (2012, 12 04). How Technology is Changing the Way Children Think and Focus. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201212/how-technology-is-changing-the-way-children-think-and-focus