[instagram-feed user="askdrho"]

The Risks Of Raising Kids With Today’s Technology

Disclaimer: Elise Ho, aka “Dr. Ho” is a Holistic Health & Life Coach. Dr. Ho is NOT a medical doctor, licensed therapist, lawyer, or a bevy of other things. Products or services that Dr. Ho believes in are the only ones that she recommends. Dr. Ho may receive compensation, product, or an affiliate commission on anything you see on this site. This is a personal Website solely reflecting Dr. Ho’s personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of any organization with which I may be affiliated.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest

Technology creates some challenges.

 

The Risks Of Raising Kids With Today’s Technology.

 

It’s part of a parent’s responsibility to make sure that their children are able to navigate all the challenges of growing up as best as possible. This includes enabling them to build friendships, develop social skills and manage their duties to school and chores. The addition of modern technology is quite a new challenge compared to everything else. Additionally, it is one that parents are still having some trouble getting to grips with. Here are some of the challenges that it poses and some ways you might be able to handle them.

The Risks Of Raising Kids With Today’s Technology

 

It’s becoming harder to keep a good attention span

It should be noted that none of the modern trends we’re outlining here can have the blame solely laid at the feet of technology. However, constant access to immediate stimulation through screens has led to marked issues with their attention span. As such, it’s important to make sure that kids are taught control, even if it has to be enforced by tools such as screen time limiting tools like the unGlue app that makes sure they’re not stuck to the screens all the time.

 

Living more sedentary lives

This is a health concern that is across the board. Both adults and children are spending a lot more time parked on their rears indoors. It’s not all the kids’ fault, as the quality of outdoor play spaces is getting increasingly worse in cities and small towns all over. However, the stimulation that digital technology provides certain gives them more incentive to stay where they are. You can help prevent childhood obesity by making sure you play and exercise with your children, and use the above time limits to make sure they have to find something else to do when they can’t stay glued to screens.

 

They have access to all sorts

The internet can provide access to all kinds of fascinating information, engaging experiences, and interactions with people across the world. No parent needs to be told how this is just as much of a risk concern as it is a benefit. But there are tools like the Family Orbit app that can make it easier for you to control what your child accesses. You can monitor what they’re doing online and, if there is anything worthy of concern, use parental features to block it in the future, while talking to them about what types of content they should not be accessing.

 

It’s changing social interaction

 

There are two primary concerns when it comes to how the net affects our social relationships. The first is that over-reliance on online communication can make it difficult for some kids to socialize face-to-face. Therefore, it is important to make sure they’re taking part in hobby groups away from the screen. The other concern is more related to that social media can be a pretty untamed place, so look at sites like Internet Matters tips on how to make sure kids are using social media responsibly. Social Media responsibility includes what they post, what they engage with, and who they connect with.

 

There are real risks to their safety

 

Part of the conversation about safe social media use, and greater internet use, is that they should be careful with what they reveal. For instance, kids should be taught to never share their personal information. Their location, address, or personal info about their lives  should be protected info.  Additionally, kids have to be taught to recognize things like phishing scams and other attempts to steal their data. These could result in real danger.

Is it causing depression?

 

To say that there is any one cause of depression is simplifying the matter too much. However, a lack of real social engagement and connection with the world can be in part fueled by an addiction to digital media. As such, it’s important to make sure your child has the opportunities to enjoy what a kid should. Things such as playing with friends, time with parents, motivations, and hobbies out in the physical world are key to good development. Of course, if your child is truly dealing with depression, that might be something to start talking to a therapist about, rather than fixing it all alone.

There are risks to raising children in a home with modern technology. However, that does not mean you should disallow them from using it.

The benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Technology creates many opportunities.

 

We are in a world and a job market that relies on technology more than ever. Acknowledge the risks and know what you can do to help your child to navigate them.

 

Naturally Yours,

Elise Ho, Ph.D., D.N.Psy

 

Please use the comment section below to share your tips, questions, and/or thoughts about this post.

CLICK HERE to subscribe and never miss a thing.

Inspired? Pin this to your Pinterest boards.
The Risks Of Raising Kids With Today's Technology
The Risks Of Raising Kids With Today’s Technology

Please use the comment section below to share your tips, questions, and/or thoughts about this post.

CLICK HERE to subscribe and never miss a thing.

Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho
Ph.D., D.N. Psych.
Behavioral & Mental Health Specialist

Inspired? Pin this to your Pinterest boards.

26 thoughts on “The Risks Of Raising Kids With Today’s Technology”

  1. Having reduced screen time is something to consider, but then with it bein the digital age, it depends on what you are doing on there, you know?

  2. The number one concerning factor is it is changing human interaction. I am afraid these kids might get desensitized by having the proper social interaction they need.

  3. This article contains so many good reminders, especially with children spending so much time indoors. I will share this with my teaching staff tomorrow so we can be more mindful for next school year.

  4. Thank you for this article. As you have pointed out, there are so many benefits of technology – but there are also dangers. We need a healthy balance of activities to go along with technology time.

  5. This is totally true and this is why we try our best to limit the screen time of our children. Sedentary lifestyle is really unhealthy.

  6. While I understand how difficult it might be with all the issues around tech, there are also some positives to be aware of such as expanding their minds/knowledge. But, yes, these are also very concerning.

  7. These are well expressed thoughts and truth. Not just for kids but even for us adults, as far as some of the points are concerned. I hope that all parents will come across this article.

  8. Such a good article about the kid’s mental health. Technology something new but I also agree they still need to go out for other activities

  9. I feel like the real root of the problem isn’t technology itself but parents allowing their children to immerse themselves in it too much. There needs to be limits on its use.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

share on

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest

About The Author

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho is a Holistic Health & Life Coach with a special interest in emotional health, life alignment, and energy flow.

Elise will partner with you to align your mindset, your energy, your home and your career so that you can live your life's desire with freedom and love.

Elise offers 30 years of experience and multiple certifications and degrees including a Ph.D. in Natural Health and a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Psychology.