CHILDREN'S EDUCATION: How do we find balance in the digital age?
The role of parenting has changed drastically compared to 50 years ago, mainly as a result of the evolution of society towards an increasingly significant use of technology in children's lives from a few months old. The challenges that arise due to this phenomenon are complex and require a balanced approach on our part, from the first contact that little ones have with the digital world.
We are increasingly busy and most parents also have a job that takes up a good part of their time. The temptation to use the tablet or smart TV as the main educational tool becomes even greater as they become more accessible and popular.
Here are some aspects we should consider when creating a schedule for our little one.
How do we introduce our little ones to the digital world?
Most children have their first contact with some form of technology (smartphone, tablet, smart TV) when they are just a few months old. It is an easy way to teach them some essential rules or develop their creativity. However, the more time we give our children in front of screens, the more we accustom them to a virtual reality before they have developed the ability to communicate, assimilate and manage the wave of information they receive in real life.
Tablets are the most widely used device with a growing usage rate among children. They are intuitive to use, with colorful images, movements and sounds that appeal mainly to the senses. Furthermore, they are used exclusively based on the touch of the screen, an important point of accessibility for babies.
As fun as they are, the tendency for excessive exposure and addiction to these devices has made technology one of the main factors threatening the harmonious development of children.
Moderating and limiting access to these devices during development are the mechanisms by which we can protect them from possible harmful effects on physical and mental health.
What are the main risks that excessive exposure can have?
Excessive use of technology induces an inactive lifestyle from the earliest stages of development. This increases the chances of obesity, but also of a reluctance to make physical activity an integral part of their lives.
Excessive use of technology has been identified as a contributing factor to the development of anxiety, ADHD, depressive states, and overall difficulty in dealing with emotions and social situations in the early stages of development.
Real-life interaction becomes of secondary interest to little ones, who are more likely to remain engrossed in the virtual world. The ability to focus on establishing real-life connections decreases and it becomes more difficult to develop communication skills.
Why introduce real life experiences from the first months?
The first 2 years of life are essential in creating empathetic and responsive interactions between baby, parents, and the world around them. The most important thing is to make sure we can find a balance between the exposure time we allow to these new technologies and the time for socialization.
Real-life experiences stimulate the following skills from the first months:
●spatial coordination and language receptivity
●curiosity about the environment and adaptation to new environments
●development of motor skills, physical strength and dexterity
Babies up to the age of 2 learn through practice and imitation. The most effective methods are exercises and interaction with other people to learn the skills essential for harmonious development.
Acvatic Bebe Club dedicates its activity to a healthy and harmonious growth of children. The combination of exercises in the pool, interaction with professional and dedicated instructors make aquatic education sessions an ideal environment for a positive experience in the development of the little ones.
We look forward to meeting you and starting a balanced program for happy and healthy babies together. Schedule a FREE SESSION and tell us what effects you have felt on your little one's condition!
source
https://medium.com/@shellyribaudo/parenting-young-children-in-the-21st-century-the-advantages-challenges-the-down-side-of-ce4393f983a4
