Today, all members of our society are influenced both directly and indirectly by powerful media, television, sound-recording and internet in smart phones.
Electronic media-particularly television have long been criticized for their potential impact on children. One area for concern is how early media exposure influences cognitive development and academic achievement. Heather Kirkorian ,Ellen Wartella and Daniel Anderson summarize the relevant research and provide suggestions for maximizing the positive effects of media and minimizing the negative effects.
TELEVISION AND CHILDREN
Since television first appeared in the nation’s living room observers have voiced recurrent concern over its impact on children viewers. In recent years this concern has extended to other electronic media including video, video games, computer and internet.
Dr. Leonard D Eron, a psychology professor at Yale University made a study to identify the causes of aggression among children. His 30 years long observation concluded that. Those who watched television were more aggressive and more likely to commit crimes. Studies say there is some connection between watching violence and committing it. The idea is television violence + youth = youth violence.
The idea is television violence + youth = youth violence.
Despite marketing claims that some television programmes and DVDs help infants and toddlers learn recent studies show that television provides only empty calories for a child’s growing brain.
TELEVISION PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES
Television influence doesn’t end where a child’s favourite show is over. Even when he is involved in other activities such as playing games alone, spending time with parents or eating, he is likely to have television on nearby.
Too much television can have effects on child’s behaviour, achievement and health.
What children are watching is as important as how much they are watching.
Better academic outcome from preschooler watching educational programmes. Than a preschooler watching cartoons.
Delay in language development and kindergarten readiness skills.
Attention disorder and sleep problems.
Behaviour problems.
Poor academic achievement.
TELEVISION, VIDEOS AND DVDs ARE NOT EFFECTIVE TEACHERS
Videos, DVDs are marketed as educational tools that promote brain development and cognitive skill.
In fact they are not effective teachers.
Babies’ brains are not ready for television watching.
Babies’ cannot fallow pictures as they appear and disappear / move faster.
Positive interactions are the best learning experience a child can have.
SMARTPHONES AND CHILDREN
Mobile phones have become necessity of every human being. One can’t imagine the life without it. Being a part of today’s technological world most individual own it. It provides children a sense of safety, support and control over their lives. To be able to contact parents, friends or family members at any time give peace of mind for both child and their worried parents.
GOOD EFFECTS OF SMARTPHONE ON CHILDREN:
Useful in studies.
It’s become a compulsory gadget to enhance internet for reference work.
Get knowledge and information on any topic at any time and anywhere.
Work as a boon in emergencies.
BAD EFFECTS OF SMARTPHONE ON CHILDREN:
It is a health hazard! Today’s children are growing up in a radio-frequency environment that never existed in human history before.
Radiation emitted by smart phones has adverse effect on children.
Children absorb 60% more radiation into the brain than adults.
Sleep problems.
Play games, chat and talk with friends resulting in low and poor academic.
Inappropriate and aggressive behaviour.
Children log into harmful sites e.g. Blue Whale
PARENTS AND CARE GIVERS
Get control of the screen which now absorb so much of kid’s valuable time.
Monitor and manage digital usage.
Take television off the menu or encourage them to age-appropriate programmes.
Talk to children about the practical situations so that they learn problem solving and decision making.
Tell them stories, sing songs dance with them try to go to their level and make them understand things.
Give practical experiences – make them touch objects; allow them to feel the space around them.
CONCLUSION
It is in the hands of parents, teachers and caregivers to create a safe digital environment for children today. Teach children to use devices responsibly. The prime duty of the parents is to monitor and manage screen time for your children and prevent them from Smartphone addition.
About the Author:
Ms. Grishma Davey: I have been working at Vidyodaya Girls' Higher Secondary School, Chennai for the past 14 years, handling primary section children aged 5-9. I love working with children and can identify their positives, negatives and unique skills in a short time. I am approachable and can deal with children of any age group. I also write and direct English plays. I am also keen on photography and dancing.