iPads and iPhones are affecting the social skills of our children
iPads and iPhones are affecting the social skills of our children
In the modern age, computers and machines have taken care of a number of our everyday responsibilities, and we are relying more on the benefits they offer. Our children also are not very far behind. We can see so many young ones adapting to the benefits that tablets and iPads have to offer. We are often awed by how they learn to use electronics before they even learn to read or write. Julia Gabriel, a mother of five tells us how her children are learning more because of the educational applications and interesting learning techniques that these devices have to offer. Her children are picking up on math in very convenient ways, and their pace of learning how to read has also been remarkable. Electronic devices have a lot to offer, but not all of these contributions have pleasant effects.
Sitting at a restaurant with his sister, Nick Bilton witnessed the ultimate magic trick. Bilton’s sister was at the restaurant with her two young ones aged 4 and 7 so that she could catch up with her brother. The children however weren’t helping their conversations with their constant rambling and shouting. And their mother like the magician she was pulled out of her purse two ipads, placing them on each of the kid’s palms. The children after that fell silent through the rest of the meal. Even though children settled for the time being, they had been deprived of an opportunity to talk to their uncle and get to know him better. Also, they could have learnt a very important lesson; it is rude to interrupt when two adults are talking. This is how we were taught to react when sitting amongst a group of people. There are also countless further threats to the children’s’ social skills that these apple devices could bring about. The time that children should spend with their siblings playing with blocks or other toys is being spared playing games on their iPads. It is hard to know how they are going to learn how to share and play in teams when they cannot even have fun together. Social isolation is also increasing considerably as children are spending more time playing video games and interacting with modern technology. iPads and iPhones are replacing traditional ways of interacting. Kids find it much easier to interact with a 100 friends online then with a few face-to-face. How much can children learn from one another when they aren’t in the same room to interact? Technology is also making evident the aspect of lack of patience in the children. Just like the silence options in their phones, they want their friends to interrupt them only when they are ready and willing. This practice may be driving their friends away and making the kids lonelier.
We can realize how important and helpful a superior support system in the form of friends could be. Our children however have yet to learn this important life lesson; and before they burn all of their bridges between them and every person who is important to them, it is our job to teach them the importance of friends in their lives. It is thus, important that we encourage in their human interaction in form of play dates, birthday parties, etc. Their exposure to iPod, iPads, and other electronic devices should also be limited to a healthy level. A little effort on our part could teach them a number of crucial lessons that could help them all through their lives.
References
Gabriel, J. (2012, August 27). Five Benefits of App use in Early Education for Children. Retrieved from I learn with: http://www.ilearnwith.com/five-benefits-of-app-use-in-early-education-for-children/
Ramey, K. (2013, April 11). Modern Technology Advantages And Disadvantages. Retrieved from Use of Technology: http://www.useoftechnology.com/modern-technology-advantages-disadvantages/
Weber, P. (2013, April 1). Is the iPad bad for children? Retrieved from The Week: http://theweek.com/article/index/242107/is-the-ipad-bad-for-children
