flipbook: the impact of modern digital technology on children

The Impact of Modern

Digital Technology

on Children

By: Daniel Morgan

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Children these days are exposed to VAST amounts of technology at YOUNGER and YOUNGER ages with each

passing year.

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In 2006, 90% of parents reported that their children younger than 2 years

of age had consumed some form of electronic media.

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In the United States a survey concluded that almost a THIRD of children 2-3 years old had a television IN THEIR BEDROOM.

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Another survey found that 83% of

middle school children, 39%

of fifth graders,

and 20% of third graders had their very own mobile

device

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But, how does all this tech exposure affect these children?

Studies have found that exposure to digital technology can affect children in both POSITIVE and NEGATIVE ways.

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One negative impact of this new digital era is a lack of FOCUS

and a decreased attention span in

children.

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Studies have found that children exposed to the internet have their brains wired to FOCUS FLEETINGLY on any one thing and

lack the ability to do one task for an extended period of time.

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It has also been shown that the

TELEVISION is KILLING the CREATIVITY

within children because it provides all visuals, leaving little to the

IMAGINATION.

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With the advent of the digital age children have also been negatively impacted physically.

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Children on average

spend about 7 hours a

day interacting with some form of

technology.

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That is 7 hours that could have been spent

playing outside with friends or enjoying some sports.

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Modern digital technology doesn’t just negatively affect

child brain development and

physical development. It can

also have an EMOTIONAL

impact.

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One major cause of this emotional impact is CYBER

BULLYING, which has caused numerous children PAINand SUFFERING every year.

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However, even though a number of problems have been brought about by modern digital technology, there have been many

POSITIVE outcomes created by it as well.

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VIDEO GAMES have actually shown many positive results in the development of children, such as: increased attention spans, improved visual

and spatial capabilities and better reaction times.

Another POSITIVEaspect of digital technology is educational games and apps.

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Educational apps and games provide a great interactive environment

for kids to learn in, and provides lessons

in all sorts of subjects.

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Due to the amazing power of digital technology, educational apps can easily be used all around the world, including DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Some companies are trying to start programs to get

educational apps into the hands of children in developing countries so that they can learn just as well as those in first world countries.

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Overall digital technology is both amazing and destructive at the same time. Whether it is amazing or destructive depends on how it is used. But, hopefully as the world ages

people will learn how to use digital technology only for good.

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Creating a happy and healthy digital

world for all children.

Sources

• http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/education/technology-is-changing-how-students-learn-teachers-say.html?_r=2&

• http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/disruptions-what-does-a-tablet-do-to-the-childs-mind/

• http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/5/1040.full

• http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201212/how-technology-is-changing-the-way-children-think-and-focus

• http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201304/is-big-media-slowly-killing-our-children

• http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57411576-93/one-fifth-of-third-graders-own-cell-phones/

All images are sourced from flickr with Creative Commons Licenses.