HARNESSING THE POSITIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN OUR CHILDREN AND HOW TO CONTROL!

Technology is now something we cannot do without in this age and time.
While many are focusing on the negative the negative effects; let’s talk about the Positive and how we can control the negatives.

As I mentioned in a previous post; Technology/The Digital age is the greatest innovation in our time but can also destroy our children 😲 How can we positively enhance it for our use?
POSITIVE EFFECTS:
Educational Benefits:

Educational Benefits: Screen technology, when used appropriately, can be a powerful educational tool. It offers access to a vast amount of information and can enhance learning through interactive apps and websites designed for educational purposes. Of Course, We know that there are educational benefits; For example, you cannot be reading this without technology. Hence, we can also positively use technology for educational purposes for our Children. I am not saying there is no negative, we will deal with the negatives as well in this article.
Development of Digital Skills: Early exposure to technology can help children develop essential digital skills that are crucial for their future in a technology-driven world. Our Children are the next Mark Zuckerberg, the next Steve Jobs, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, the next World Class Innovators, and so on! The people I mentioned here have one thing in common - they all have access to technology and they positively harnessed its use. You can guide your child or children into developing an interest in innovative ways of using technology.
Entrepreneur and Social Skills: There is a new generation of wealth creation through the use of technology. But you have to make sure that the direction of use will positively impact lives and not destroy. You need to educate your children and let them know, that they can innovate instead of consuming. You need to Teach them that too much consumption will lead to them working for the developers and innovators! Change their thought process. Tell your child that he/she can be a developer/innovator.


Negative Effects

Every Positive has a Negative! As a parent, you are aware of some of these negatives, and you have to be proactive in controlling the negatives.

Most of the innovators of technology have stated in the past and recently the need to monitor usage and surfing of the internet. It is a struggle for all of us especially when the Children are in their teenage years. But you are the parent, you pay the bill hence the need for you to monitor has to be communicated clearly to your children.

Try to make your Child or Children understand that the steps you are taking towards monitoring are for their good as uncontrolled use of technology will lead to the following:

Screen Addiction: Excessive screen time can lead to addiction, making it hard for children to disengage from digital devices. This addiction can impact their social skills, sleep, and physical activity levels.
Impact on Physical Health: Prolonged screen use can lead to sedentary behaviours, contributing to obesity and related health problems. Eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns are also common issues due to excessive screen exposure.
Developmental Delays: For younger children, excessive screen time has been linked to delays in language and social development. It can also affect the ability to focus and engage in deeper learning activities.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Without proper supervision, children can be exposed to harmful or inappropriate content online, which can affect their understanding of complex social and moral issues.
Cyberbullying: Technology can also expose children to cyberbullying, which can have severe effects on their mental health and self-esteem.


Balancing the Negative Effects
To mitigate the negative effects while harnessing the positive potential of screen technology for children, I recommend:

Setting limits on screen time, especially for younger children.
Encouraging outdoor play and physical activities to balance sedentary screen time.
Using parental controls and monitoring to protect against exposure to inappropriate content.
Promoting educational and interactive screen use over passive consumption.
Encouraging face-to-face social interactions to develop social skills.
Have a technology-free day, start with hours, and then increase the day.
Install a Bible app on the devices. In my house, it’s a rule to watch the things of GOD first before exploring. May the HOLY SPIRIT guide them.
You can monitor if they are Reading the WORD OF GOD through the streaks and please make sure, you are adding up your own streaks.


Overall, the key lies in moderation and guided use of screen technology, ensuring that children can benefit from its educational potential without suffering from its adverse effect

Finally, I always conclude by encouraging you to pray for the mind and heart of your child/children. There are so many things they have seen and learned BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT will wipe them away and make them to lose interest in them in the MIGHTY NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!

GOD Bless

Yours in HIS SERVICE

Grace
Blissful Course Publishing (Changing Lives)

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