Project 1

Jamie T. White

Murray state college

(ENG1213-51) English Composition II

Elizabeth Hammett

March 26, 2024

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Children spending too much time on iPads and other screens has become a common worry for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals in today's technologically advanced society. "There is emerging evidence that there may be some structural brain changes associated with greater exposure to screen time as a young child," says Dr. Jennifer F. Cross (2023). Even while technology has many advantages, spending too much time in front of a screen can cause a number of problems, such as poor social skills, sleep disruptions, and lethargy. A diversified strategy that strikes a balance between digital engagement and other activities that promote holistic development is needed to address this issue.

 

Excessive screen time not only affects language development but also diminishes opportunities for meaningful social interactions. In today's technologically advanced society, where mobile devices have become ubiquitous, the risk of substituting digital interactions for face-to-face communication is particularly pronounced. This trend underscores the importance of implementing strategies to balance screen time with activities that promote interpersonal skills and meaningful human connection.

 

"When very small children get hooked on tablets and smartphones, they may unintentionally hinder their still-developing brains. Too much screen time too soon... 'is the very thing impeding the development of the abilities that parents are so eager to foster through the tablets,'" notes Liraz Margalit (2016, April 17). Children spending too much time on iPads and other screens has become a common worry for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals in today's technologically advanced society. Even while technology has many advantages, spending too much time in front of a screen can cause a number of problems, such as poor social skills, sleep disruptions, and lethargy. A diversified strategy that strikes a balance between digital engagement and other activities that promote holistic development is needed to address this issue.

 

The most important thing is to always encourage honest communication with kids. Parents should have productive conversations with their children about the need to balance screen use and any possible negative effects. By allowing kids to help define realistic boundaries instead of imposing severe limitations, you can help them gain self-regulation abilities. A balanced lifestyle is promoted by cooperatively creating guidelines that balance screen usage with family activities, reading, and outdoor play. Talking to kids about the meaning and substance of screen time also helps them develop discernment and critical thinking skills, which will help them make wise decisions regarding their use of technology."Pick your battles. It’s not going to go down well if you snatch the iPad mid-game. Introduce countdowns and let your child set the time prompts that they want- whether it’s 5 or 10 minutes before game over. This technique gives the child time to prepare mentally for the switch-off, and allows them to feel like they have some autonomy in how – and when – they stop playing" (Bamford-Beattie, 2022).

 

Furthermore, it's critical to foster alternate sources of enrichment and entertainment. Giving kids access to a range of engaging activities, such board games, sports, music, and art and craft projects, inspires them to pursue a number of interests outside of the digital world. Designating specific portions of the house—like dining rooms and bedrooms—as screen-free zones helps to perpetuate the notion that screen usage is merely one component of leisure and should not be a constant. In addition to lowering screen time, encouraging outdoor exploration and nature-based activities boosts physical activity, creativity, and cognitive development.

 

Moreover, setting a positive example is essential for influencing kids' views and actions about technology. It is important for parents to set an example of good screen habits by minimizing their personal device use, particularly during family time. Spending time together offline creates deep bonds and shows how important face-to-face communication is compared to online distractions. Parents teach their children to be balanced and moderate by making time for their loved ones a priority. Beyond digital involvement, children who participate in domestic chores, gardening, and community service develop empathy, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.

 

Effective screen time management can also be facilitated by utilizing parental restrictions and instructional resources. Screen time may be made productive and interesting by utilizing apps and tools that encourage creativity and learning. By putting parental control measures into place, parents can keep an eye on and limit their kids' access to content, promoting age-appropriate use and protecting them from negative influences. Establishing "digital detox" days or times without technology also promotes mindfulness and mental health while offering family time for introspection and connection.

 

In addition, the intentional supervision and guiding of technology integration in educational contexts can improve learning results and reduce excessive screen time. Teachers can immerse pupils in learning through the use of multimedia resources and interactive digital platforms. But sustaining a well-rounded growth still requires a balanced strategy that includes hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and face-to-face encounters. Working together with parents to support children's holistic development by reinforcing consistent messaging on good screen habits develops a cohesive partnership.

 

Last but not least, it's critical to create a welcoming culture that supports sensible screen usage practices. Families can be empowered to make educated decisions by working together with educational institutions, medical providers, and neighborhood organizations to spread knowledge and offer resources on responsible technology usage. Organizing conferences, workshops, and support groups encourages parents, teachers, and kids to keep talking and exchanging information. Furthermore, promoting laws and programs that support media literacy instruction and digital literacy in schools and communities gives kids the tools they need to use the internet responsibly and safely.

 

In conclusion, tackling the problem of kids using iPads excessively calls for a multifaceted strategy that includes community involvement, technology tools, communication, modeling from parents, and alternate activities. We can enable kids to form good screen habits while supporting their overall development and well-being by promoting a culture of moderation and balance. We can raise a generation of technologically literate, socially competent people who are prepared to prosper in an increasingly digital environment by combining efforts at the individual, family, educational, and societal levels.

 

References 

 

1. Bamford-Beattie, C. (2022, January 25). What to do if your child is addicted to iPad. Kidslox. https://kidslox.com/guide-to/what-to-do-if-your-child-is-addicted-to-ipad/

 

2. Cross, J. (2019, August 8). What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Kids’ Brains? NewYork-Presbyterian; Health Matters. https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

 

3. Hawkins, A. (2015, February 3). Why You Shouldn’t Use Your iPad to Distract Your Kid. Good Housekeeping; Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/tips/a26968/effect-ipad-on-children/

 

4. Margalit, L. (2016). What Screen Time Can Really Do to Kids’ Brains. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/behind-online-behavior/201604/what-screen-time-can-really-do-kids-brains

 

5. Travers, M. (n.d.). A Psychologist Teaches Parents How To Fix An “iPad Kid.” Forbes. A Psychologist Teaches Parents How To Fix An ‘iPad Kid’ (forbes.com)