1 (Technology with Children ) (Dimple Reczko) Department of Psychology, Nashua Community College PSYC 101N: Introduction to Psychology Professor Elizabeth Prescott April 22, 2023 2 Abstract This composition explores the effects technology has on the growing mind, and how intentional implementations can be beneficial for children. while consequently if unguided can lead to harmful effects on the well-being of children whether physically or mentally. 3 In this day in age, children are introduced to technology earlier than they would in the past. This leads to the question of what effects this might have on a growing mind. What are healthy ways to introduce technology to children? If introducing technology at an early age what are implementations that can be useful for children? What are alternative stimulations that can benefit a developing mind? The effects technology can have on children's behavior by affecting their cognition. In turn, hindering their development in aspects of learning, memory retention, intelligence, thinking, as well as creativity. Compromised cognition can affect their sociability and quality of life. It is in our nature to be social and low social skills can in turn affect our well-being. The article, “Looking Through Mothers’ Lens” by Zohour Rashwan discusses the effect of technology on children during COVID-19 confinement. The combination of technology overuse and social isolation altered the behaviors of children. Causing depression and anxiety while some displayed dysfunctional behaviors. In another article “Analyzing technology addiction and challenging behaviors of young children” by Zeynep Dere. It mentions challenging behaviours as well, caused by addiction to technology with an inclusion of a study that indicates addiction levels in young children. Correspondingly, If not guided children can be addicted to technology as it can be a stimulating device. Addiction to technology like TV, Video games, and Social media can result in physical inactivity. This can be destructive to children’s health as physical activity is essential to children's health, not only physically but mentally as well. “Digital experiences can have a significant impact 4 on children, exposing them to risks or failing to nurture them adequately” (Responsible). Not only can technology addiction be physically hindering but learning and thinking processes as well. Due to the efficiency of technology, It is more common to pacify children through the stimulation of technology. Children are being introduced to technology from early infancy through preschooler development and even more from school-age development. This compromises children's ability to be enriched with natural instances as they are nurtured to rely on technological stimulation. For healthy childhood development, play is essential for children. “Play is a way for young children to gain essential knowledge and skills. It is important for learning skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and self-regulation ”(Responsible). Anything that enriches a child’s mind or body can be considered play, traditionally imaginative play or games with rules are what come to mind but these are just as indispensable as they promote social skills. If technology were to be applied with intention it can also be beneficial. It can be utilized for a child’s learning purpose, The article “ Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children ” by the publication of Innocenti. Introduces a game that engages children in learning although in the form of play. The researcher in the article conducted numerous experiments and formed questionnaires to help best customize the games for children. Not only that it appeals to children but aids in their learning process. Although educational games are a great alternative to play 5 It is not to be said that they can be a substitute for traditional play as children naturally crave art, outdoor or social-based play. “ Empowering Children with Adaptive Technology Skills ” by Miftachul Huda. Suggests that to implement healthy ways for children, parents should talk about what can come of their use of technology when introducing technology to them. While also using parental control on websites children may use for precaution Conversely, early exposure to technology has its negative effects but being that children are naturally equipped to learn, children or newer generations gained higher levels for processing information due to the advances of technology. by conversing with children and implementing precautionary controls technology or social media can be of advantage for children. “ Social media can be beneficial to youth such as increased empathy and acceptance of diversity through modeling prosocial behaviours” (Huda). Overall, although technology can have its negative sides when wielded and Implemented right technology can be beneficial for children. 6 References Dere, Z. (2022). Analyzing technology addiction and challenging behaviors of young children. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 14(1), 243-250 Huda, M., Jasmi, K. A., Mustari, M. I., Basiron, B., Hehsan, A., Shahrill, M., & Gassama, S. K. (2017). Empowering Children with Adaptive Technology Skills: Careful Engagement in the Digital Information Age. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 9(3), 693–708. Rashwan, Z. I., Hassan, B. H., Selim, A., Mostafa Radwan, R. I., El Razik Ahmed Mohamed, A. A., & Eweida, R. S. (2023). Looking through mothers' lens on children's technology overuse, behavioral and psychosocial alterations during home confinement: Future recommendations. Scientific African, 20, e01590. https://doaj.org/article/78bbb27742ba47efb639748c470691e7 Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children: Digital Technology, Play and Child Well-Being. (2022).
