Technology is the knowledge and skill that uses methods and techniques required to produce tools and equipment for people’s needs and requirements. In today’s digital-driven world, none of us can think of a life without it. Thus, though its positive benefits are many, the unconscious use of technology could cause immense adverse effects. Suppose an adult uses technology in a harmful way. In that case, it is called a “choice” instead of “unconscious “use, but young children are not generally aware of its possible negative impacts caused by its improper use.
Until a specific age, technology is all about cell phones or tablets or computers to the young minds, so choosing the proper application like Byjus and websites technology could prove a boon to these young learners.
The first and foremost positive effect of technology is the Increase in IQ. According to the studies conducted by the American Cornell University, the IQ of the current generation is higher than the previous generation. Even though the tests were made difficult than the former ones, the results were the same. Experts link this effect directly with technology. The increase in the number of electronic products in the children’s lives and the increased stimuli which serve as exercises to enable children to solve more complex problems.
The positive effect of technology on child development, such as increased IQ and improved learning skills, is among the several benefits that come with the correct use of technology. The more the child gets interested in the learning process, his/her IQ increases substantially. One should keep in mind that excessive use of stimuli could lead to distraction also.
Mental skill development with educational content is possible now with Byjus. The positive effects of technology on early childhood education can be very beneficial. Educational and Instructional practices such as games and applications can improve cognitive skills significantly. Memory Games, Attention Games, Visual games that help children enhance their memory, improve their attention, visual skills improvement, and much more are available today at the click of a button. Therefore, safe internet use for children coupled with the proper application could enhance their mental level. The application that teaches foreign languages advises on society and ethics, games and applications that offer practice in mathematical operations are always accessible to children. Parental supervision and able guidance in helping children recognize the usefulness will significantly positively benefit them.
Learning how to learn is a crucial skill, and thanks to the internet, there are extensive resources easily accessible to children. In this way, they know to access information, do research, and learn with the safe use of the internet. Visual design programs, technical drawing programs, coding programs, and similar design tools improve children’s creativity. So, it’s not a matter of good or bad – it’s all about how, when, and what you use.
Creative children are thriving in adapting to the changing world; hence they are more adept in creating new solutions to new emerging problems. Enhancing problem-solving skills in childhood will allow them to overcome obstacles easier in the future. Technology for children can sometimes be a lifesaver for themselves as well as for society. Children should be able to reach their parents in times of need. So, numbers can be set, and parents can determine which numbers the child can all and get called from. Thus, setting boundaries will make them aware of their communication with others and eliminate the risks of any mishappening.
Technology can work wonders, but overuse and unsupervised access to the internet may cause undue adverse effects on the child's social skills and mental and physical development.
Spending too much time on computers, smartphones, or tablets can cause distraction and concentration difficulties. Moreover, one of the significant negative effects is that if it affects their academic success, uncontrolled use of technology, not the technology, is to blame. Technological developments primarily aim to provide benefits to us but using the right technology in the right amount is beneficial.
Moreover, unsupervised internet time causes havoc on the child’s social skills. When a child plays too many games on a computer, they become disconnected with the natural world. As a result, they will try to meet their social requirement in the digital world, which has its after effects. Social skills such as respect, love, sharing, and communication should come from real-life friends and associations, not from the imaginary digital world. It is a well-known fact that children have a more expansive imagination than adults and are also more vulnerable to the content they come across. Children can be exposed to frightening elements in videos or cartoons, or games. As they cannot perceive the difference between the real and imaginary, they may experience unfavorable situations like not wanting to be alone or nightmares. Similarly, when they consume videos or games containing elements of violence, they tend to be more aggressive. Internet safety is vital to prevent unhealthy emotions from building up. Byjus give tablets to its students which minimizes the distractions and students can only access study content on these Tablets.
Moreover, the negative effects of technology are not only limited to emotional and mental disorders. It also affects them physically. Vision problems, Neck pain, distortion of the body's skeletal structures, Arm, hand, and finger numbness, and overstrain are common causes if the internet is used without constraint. The physical development of a child who is immobilized through technological devices reduces the time spent in the activities needed for muscle development, such as walking, running, jumping, and playing physical games. This predisposes the child to obesity, which should be avoided at all costs.
Moreover, it also gives rise to reduced sleep quality. Technology for kids should not only be supervised in what they are doing and where, but also in terms of for how long and when. Unsupervised access to devices could lead to addiction which would hamper their growth both physically and mentally.
Technology is a two-way sword. Its proper use could work wonders for children, and at the same time, any misuse could be detrimental to young minds. So parental care and supervision are the right way forward.
