by Indrani Basu

Created on: September 03, 2009

The phenomenal growth in the area of technology and especially digital electronics has not left any strata of human life untouched. And while this has tremendous benefits in how mankind has progressed, it leaves some dark shades of harmful effects as well. This is a cause of concern because of the potential dangers it brings along with the benefits. Concern over technology's impact on youngsters is probably as old as technology itself. Before the digital age, film, radio and television were the topics of debate about potential effects on children. Television, many experts said, would lower academic achievement and shorten attention spans. What follows is limited overview of negative effects of technology and how it could hurt your kid. Along the way there are some suggestions to lessen these effects also.

Growing number of cases of obese children

There have been numerous reports that suggest that the number of obese and overweight children is growing at an alarming rate.According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), obesity in adults has increased by 60% within the past twenty years and obesity in children has tripled in the past thirty years in America. One of the prominent causes of these growing numbers is overuse of technology. More and more children prefer playing video games and PC games over outdoor games and other outdoor activities. This has further caused more time spent indoors and subconsciously overeating. A possible solution to it is parent's timely intervention and taking control over these matters.

Growing number of eye sight problems in children

Another unwanted impact of technology in children lives are eyesight problems. Most of this is caused at a very early age because kids are exposed to more and more digital media. Of course poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle also add to this.to avoid this kids need to get out of the habit of sitting glued to the television or computer, and parents need to set strict time lines here.

A bent towards an arrogant behaviour

Many video games contain a lot of violence and thrilling adventures. What kids love about them is the thrill and fantasy part barely knowing that besides that they are learning something else too.And gradually their behaviour shows similar signs of arrogance and disobedience. The parents sometimes do not bother about why it happened and rush to the clinics. But we all know prevention is better than cure. By this I do not mean that these games are not to be sold but its more for the households that buy them.They should use them in a responsible way.

Few other facts are, your kids get better at aptitude and mechanical tasks but lag in attitudinal skills, they lack focused thinking and socializing skills. They are often lost in their virtual world and start depending too much on their virtual aids. Starting from playing games, solving puzzles, meeting new friends till doing their homework, everything can be done online, but the question is should it be done that way?

A very good article to read is listed below.

Byron Review Children and New Technology

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/pdfs/Final%20Repo rt%20Bookmarked.pdf

Learn more about this author, Indrani Basu.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.