Children and Technology discusses both the risks and benefits of technology usage among children. While technology can weaken creativity and limit real-world interaction, developing important skills, it can also be used as an educational tool. The document provides tips for parents to limit screen time and encourage active play while also taking advantage of technology's learning benefits in moderation. Both overuse and lack of limits are warned against, suggesting a balanced approach is best for child development.

1. Children and
Technology
Kat Adamo
Olivia Singer
Allie Hill

2. ∗ Relying on technology for play can weaken a child’s
creativity and imagination
∗ Limits time for essential real world interaction
∗ Lacking activities and challenges that develop sensory, social,
and motor skills
∗ There has been an increase in childhood obesity and diabetes
with kids spending so much time sitting in front of a TV or
computer rather than getting outside and being active
• Studies have shown a connection between technology overuse
and disorders like ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder,
developmental delays, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders
Risks of Too Much Technology

3. ∗ Turn the TV off during dinner time. Do not allow phones or iPads at
the table (This includes parents too!). Children need to engage in
conversations with you to work on their social skills
∗ Encourage 2-3 hours of active play for your child to achieve
adequate sensory stimulation and development of coordination
∗ Do not allow technology use, whether it be TV, iPad, computer, etc.
right before bedtime. Reading a book would be a good alternative
∗ Limit the time that your child does spend using technology. Set a
timer to show them when their time will be up.
What You Can Do

4. ∗ The many different types of computer
software are great learning tools and visual
aids for kids to absorb information
∗ In addition to the motor skills being
developed from the hand-eye coordination
used while playing, interactive video games
encourages kids to collaborate and take turns
∗ Many interactive games encourage strategic
and critical thinking, which can help kids
grow intellectually
∗ This kind of thinking can lead to innovative
ideas and can stretch their minds
The Benefits of Technology for Kids

5. Benefits (continued)
∗ Experts have found that children who use technology while growing
up have sharper vision and faster reaction times than those who
don’t and that they're better at multitasking and less easily distracted
∗ Pushing keys and manipulating a mouse gives toddler hands and
fingers just as valuable a workout that they get from finger painting
or doodling
∗ These fine-motor movements also improve eye-hand coordination
which will pay off in the years to come as your children continue to
learn to catch a ball, use scissors, and put together a puzzle.
∗ As long as technology isn't being used as a babysitter, kids can enjoy
the advantages that it does have

6. ∗ Basic computer skills are learned in elementary school.
∗ Helps while learning a second language.
∗ Gives immediate access to information.
∗ Students do not have to carry heavy textbooks around.
∗ Access to online textbooks.
∗ Internet offers a wider variety of research.
∗ Webcams allow for students to have the ability to
interact with other students.
∗ Teachers lessons become increasingly stimulated.
∗ Interactive slide shows or educational films.
Technology's Impact in
School

7. ∗ Takes an active role
instead of a passive role.
∗ Builds confidence.
∗ Students feel accomplished
when they learn new skills
on the computer.
∗ New interactive ways to
learn.
∗ Benefits all types of learners,
visual, auditory, and
kinesthetic.
Future Importance of Technology

8. ∗ http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F
%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2Fcris-rowan
%2Ftechnology-children-negative-
impact_b_3343245.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH
ai0AvlXhzpjL2bN2_Tea2clpmtg
∗ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-larry-rosen/how-
much-technology-shoul_b_3142227.html
Sources