As technology continues to evolve and social media becomes more and more popular, it’s inevitable that children will become more engaged with it. While many positives to children using technology and social media, there are also a few potential risks. It’s important for parents to be aware of both the pros and cons, in order to make informed decisions about whether or not their children should be using these tools.
One of the biggest positives for children using technology is that it allows them to connect with friends and family members who live far away. Through social media, children can stay in touch with people they wouldn’t normally be able to communicate with. This can be really beneficial for their development, both socially and emotionally. Additionally, technology can help children learn new things. There are now many educational apps and games that can help children learn new skills, such as math, science, vocabulary, and more.
However, there are also a few potential risks associated with children using technology and social media. One of the biggest dangers is that children can be exposed to inappropriate content. This includes things like violence, pornography, and hate speech. Additionally, social media can be addictive, and children can get lost in it. This can lead to them neglecting their school work, friendships, and other activities. Additionally, using technology can have a negative impact on children’s eyesight and posture.
So, what should parents do? Ultimately, it’s up to parents to decide what’s right for their children. However, it’s important to be aware of both the positives and the negatives of children using technology and social media. If parents are comfortable with their children using these tools, then they should make sure to monitor their usage and set appropriate boundaries. If parents are uncomfortable with their children using technology or social media, then they should consider limiting or prohibiting their usage.
According to a Study Conducted by the Nonprofit Group Common Sense Media.
Digital divide: How wealthy kids are growing up with better tech than the poor … … According to a study conducted by the nonprofit group Common Sense Media, wealthy kids are growing up with better technology than the poor. A whopping You Know What Your Kids Are Doing Online? … A whopping 92% of children aged 8 to 18 have been exposed to violence online, per a study by the Crimes Against Children Research Center.
The most common device parents say their young child engages with is a television, with 88% of parents saying their child ever uses or interacts with a TV. Smaller – yet still large – shares of parents say their child ever uses or interacts with a tablet computer (67%) or a smartphone (60%). Some 44% of parents of young children say their child never uses or interacts with a desktop or laptop computer or a gaming device. There are substantial age differences in the types of devices parents report their child engaging with. For example, 73% of parents with a child aged 9 to 11 say their child uses a desktop or laptop computer, compared with 54% of those whose child is aged 5 to 8 and just 16% of those with a child younger than 5. The use of gaming devices follows a similar pattern: 68% of parents with a child aged 9 to 11 say their child uses this device, compared with 58% of those with a child aged 5 to 8, one-quarter of those whose child is age 3 to 4 and 9% of those with a child age 2 or younger. Similarly, 80% of parents with a child aged 5 to 11 say their child uses or interacts with a tablet computer, compared with 64% of parents with a child aged 3 to 4 who do this and 35% with a child or a child aged 2 or younger. These differences by the child’s age are less pronounced when other devices are considered. For instance, parents with a child aged 9 to 11 are more likely to say their child engages with a smartphone (67%), compared with parents with a child aged 5 to 8 (59%) or age 2 or younger (49%). Parents with a child aged 3 to 4 fall in the middle – 62% say their child uses or interacts with a smartphone. Parents of the youngest children are less likely to say their child engages with a television, but majorities of all age groups still report doing so – 74% of parents with a child age 2 or younger say their child uses or interacts with a television, compared with 90% or more of parents with a child in somewhat older age groups.
Conclusion
While technology and social media offer many benefits for children, they also pose a number of risks. It is important for parents to be aware of these risks and to help their children navigate the online world in a safe and healthy way.
Sue Clifford is a Minnesota-based personal finance expert with more than 25 years of experience in the money management industry. A CFP(Certified Financial Planner) and an Accredited Financial Counselor, Clifford is a leader in the industry and a passionate advocate for financial literacy. She writes a finance blog on topics such as budgeting, debt management, retirement savings, investing and financial planning, drawing on her professional experience and personal experience in money management. With an accessibility and a commitment to financial literacy, Sue Clifford’s financial blog is sure to offer useful insight and advice for anyone looking to take control of their financial future.
