As a mom to young children, I always find myself torn
between “Do I let my kids have the IPad,
or don’t I.” That’s the ongoing question, or should I say argument…
When I was kid, I was told, “Turn the tv off and go play outside!” It wasn’t turn the Ipad / Youtube/
T.V/ Videogames controllers/ Cell Phone.. The options are endless these days on
where we need to plug our mind to. What happened to using our imagination?
Going outside and being adventurous?
Positive Effects
Yes, I suppose there is some positive to it all… Technology
and social media are growing at a rapid rate, our children must be educated
properly on the positive impacts of social media and how to navigate their ways
through all the cluster.
-Students are able to have more options to classes, by
taking courses online and being able to communicate through discussions and
chat groups to engage and share ideas with larger audiences. Online classes
also benefit kids that are physically unable to get to a class room on a
regular basis or at all, but still being able to continue their education.
-Social Media platforms that allow kids to connect with
others that have the same interests or hobbies.
-Connecting with others, especially family and friends all
over the globe. From emails and chat rooms, to photos and videos and Skype and
Facetime. We can stay in touch so easily now, no matter where you live.
Negative Effects
This is where my spouse and I constantly have the battle,
where he thinks it’s all negative, but with control and guidance it’s important
to educate, so social media doesn’t cause negative effects.
–Addiction, its
real. We all know as adults how easily we can be wrapped up in swiping and
searching and maybe creeping (we all do it, just admit it).
Addiction gets in the way of relationships, school, and activities.
Not only is it wasting a lot of time, but also causing mental health issues,
and effecting social skills by not being able to put the phones down and live
in the moment. I have seen many times at events or family dinners where they
are videoing or taking photos throughout the entire time. Instead savour the
moments with family or that Awesome concert you’re going to, yes take a photo
or two for memories, but be there with your own eyes, not through the lens of
your phone.
-Selfies, “let’s take a selfie”. Especially in girls, who
are always conscious of their looks. Editing photos and tracking to see how
many ‘likes’ they get on their photos becomes an obsession and they are selfie addicts.
-Cyber Bullying, not just bullying anymore. It’s easier to
be mean through the screen then it is in person. Children can also become
targets for stalking as well. It’s important to teach our children not to post
to much private information online.
What can we do to
help our kids?
As parents we always want what’s best for our kids, we need
to educate them, and beware of what they are doing.
- Monitor how much time they are spending on
social media platforms
- For young children, restricting them to sites
that are appropriate for their age group, and set time limits for how long they
are on screens.
- Explain the importance of still having social
interactions with friends not just chatting online and commenting on each other’s
posts.
- Suggest platforms that could enhance their
learning or communicate with others of similar interests.
Social Media is growing at a fast rate, and it’s difficult to keep up, but we need to educate our children to monitor how much time they are spending online, and what they are doing to make sure they are managing their time appropriately, to still incorporate other things in their day like socializing with friends doing other activities, or maybe having a family conversation over dinner and asking how everyone’s’ day was?! What are your families thoughts on social media and phones during family time?
– “Your kids and social media” http://kirkcameron.com/kids- social-media/
“Oversharenting”://twitter.com/ABC/status/1131801770840268800
References: Mrunal.(2018, May 4).”Impact of Social Media on Children”.https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/impact-of-social-media-on-children/
Algonquin College Social Media Certificate Program 