It was not long ago that parents beamed with pride when their children showed enthusiasm and interest in using the computer. There was a sense that it meant that they were bright and advanced. Manufacturers even developed special keyboards for toddlers and infants. But all that has come full circle and parents are more and more frustrated and concerned about the increasing amount of time that their children are spending at the computer.
From physical conditions that can be tied to computer overuse to concerns of social isolation, the Internet and has become an evil influence in the eyes of many parents and as technology moves forward like a speeding bulldozer, parents are frantically trying to learn about how to handle relatively new development. Kids today are already asking their parents, “How did you make plans with friends before Facebook?” and “Didn’t you want to die of boredom before computers were invented?” It’s similar to the way previous generations adapted to new technologies and inventions of course, but the Internet seems to have a powerful influence that was previously unknown. That can be seen in the simple rapid rate of adaptation. You’d be hard pressed today to find an American or European home without Internet connectivity. That has happened in a relatively very short period compared to the telephone and television, for example.
One of the biggest concerns parents have about the Internet is how much time their children are online. Even when they are not sitting at a desk, more and more children have smart phones and other devices that allow them to be online – playing games, chatting, surfing, etc. And it is only going to get worse with the trend towards mobile Internet getting stronger and taking off.
Why Should You Consider Limiting Time Online?
Even too much of a good thing can be bad. no one wants their child to eat broccoli 3 times a day, to do homework 10 hours per day or to play sports all day while neglecting everything else. So the need to create an online schedule or time limit is not becuase we think the internet is all bad. In just needs to be put into perspective.
Physical Effects
There is a range of physical problems that can arise from sitting at a computer for hours everyday. Arms, shoulders, neck, back, hands — the muscles are being strained repeatedly in ways that they were not meant to be and even if kids do not feel pain now, they are likely to suffer as they get older. Of course most children do not sit correctly at the computer and this further creates the likeliness of problems later in life.
Weight gain is also a symptom of increased computer use. When playing on the computer replaces physical activity, kids are less active. The more that happens, the more it will effect their weight. if instead of playing soccer outside with friends a 10 year old boy starts playing FIFA 2010, obviosuly there will be an effect on his health and weight! And there are less obvious habits that we are changing due to our internet use. if once children would make a weekly shopping trip to the supermarket with their mother, now their parents order groceries online, there is yet another reduction in their overall physical activity.
Emotional Effects
When so much time is spent doing any particular activity, it has an effect, for good or for bad, on the mind. Some researchers are talking about the actual “rewiring” of our brains. many studies have been conducted about the effects of video games, porn sites, online gambling and other Internet activities that are though to be addicting. Whether or not we want to accept the findings of the studies, one thing is for sure — there is some effect.
A friend told me a funny story of driving in his car with his two sons during a particularly beautiful sunset. His 15 year old son commented, “Look at those great graphics!” It’s a really funny story, but it gets you thinking.
But It’s Not Fair!
Why isn’t it fair to tell your children that they can’t use the computer for more than 1 hour each day? What’s wrong with making an Internet free weekend on occasion or setting an 8pm deadline for all computers to be shut down during the week? Nothing is unfair about that.
The constant noise, light and activity we are fed from the computers in our homes contributes greatly to our stress. It is also thought that children today, with their need to be in constant contact with friends through Facebook, text messaging, Twitter and whatever other social media they may use at the moment, are much more stressed than previous generations.
It’s not about limiting their time online as a punishment or because you don’t want them to have too much fun. It is about taking responsibility for their health and well being. Do a simple experiment and take note of the difference in sleeping patterns when you go from home computers on 24/7 to shutting all media down in the early evening. I promise everyone in the house will feel calmer, sleep better and sleep more.
