Why the Rise of Electronic Age Is Hurting Children More Than Anything Else?

Emily Wang, 20, October, 2023

Imagine you’re at a bustling city park. Amidst the gentle hum of chattering families and distant laughter, there’s a stark contrast.

A visibly impatient mother hands over her shimmering tablet to her restless child, hoping to buy a moment’s peace. A father, eyebrows furrowed in exasperation, thrusts a smartphone towards his upset daughter, believing it’ll quell her tears.

All around, the sights and sounds of nature beckon, but electronic screens become the immediate pacifiers, drowning out the world beyond.

In the digital cacophony that has become the soundtrack of modern childhood, an essential biological process is at play – one that holds the key to understanding the long-term impact of our tech-centric lifestyles.

Let’s me introduce Neuroplasticity!

——The fascinating capability of our brain to rewire and evolve, debunks the old myth that brain adaptability is limited to the early years. Think of a child’s brain as a bustling city; in its infancy, a maze of roads, intersections, and pathways rapidly form.

Similarly, in adulthood, the brain retains only the most frequented connections, shedding almost half of the lesser-used synapses in a process termed ‘synaptic pruning.’ The implications? Repeated immersion in digital realms during these formative years could profoundly influence which neural pathways thrive and which wane, underscoring the paramount importance of mindful tech consumption during childhood.

Inevitably, when children grow older, they’re even immersed deeper in the digital realm, with American kids aged 8 to 12 spending an astonishing six hours daily on media, excluding academic interactions. This ever-shifting digital landscape, filled with games, texts, and social dynamics, hides a more insidious reality. Research shows a troubling link between children’s exposure to ads—like those for fast food or alcohol—and their positive attitudes towards these products. Let’s see what the kids doing for solving their phone addiction.

Looking at what digital media do to teenage child. Drawing from a telling national poll by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at University of Michigan Health, an unsettling picture emerges: the grip of social media on our children’s self-perception. A staggering two-thirds of parents report their kids feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Alarmingly, one in five teens shuns activities, like photo-taking, due to insecurities. Social media, rather than being a safe haven, frequently perpetuates harmful norms.

Now, hold tight, mid the glowing screens and incessant notifications, there lies an opportunity for parents to shape the narrative and influence their children’s digital journeys.

While the intricate dance of neurons and synapses in a child’s brain is guided by biology, it is also heavily influenced by their environment. If children see their primary role models – their parents – constantly tethered to devices, it inevitably sets a precedent for their own digital consumption.

However, all is not lost. Becoming a conscientious digital parent doesn’t mean revoking all screen privileges, but rather setting rules for technology use.

With nearly four out of five parents considering themselves as apt tech role models, it’s crucial to walk the talk. By integrating household rules that apply to everyone, such as “No devices during dinner” or “Tech-free Sundays”, families can nurture moments of genuine connection. Parents can also prioritise offline interaction, for instance, exploring the great activities as a family, these shared moments can counterbalance the digital inundation.

The digital age is undoubtedly here to stay, and it’s ever evolving. Instead of attempting to shield children from it entirely, it’s about monitoring and guiding them through it with understanding, setting boundaries, and demonstrating balanced tech habits.

Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that amidst the pixels and apps, genuine human connection remains at the heart of it all.