Audience: Families that are overusing their technology and distancing their families because of it.
Introduction
The overuse of technology in families can have far-reaching consequences for family relationships and welfare. Children and teenagers are increasingly using electronic devices for extended periods of time as technology continues to play a larger and larger role in our daily lives. Children’s development and family ties can be impacted negatively, as parents are often distracted by the attractiveness of technology and the addictive qualities of its use. Singer and Brodzinsky (2020) noted that family divisions arise when there is a severe breakdown in the relationship and communication between parents and their children or adult family members. The use of technology can drive a wedge between family members, and it can make it challenging to have meaningful conversations with children or seem less approachable. Children may be exposed to harmful information through technology tools, and it can make them seek guidance from their friends rather than their parents. Additionally ,children can be exposed to hazardous information through technology tools like video games, the internet, and mobile devices, which may impact their behavior .As parents, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with technology overuse and take steps to help your children develop healthy habits when it comes to technology.
Proactive Steps
Parents should take proactive steps to address the problem of excessive use of technology at home. The priority for parents should be to caution children about the risks associated with using various forms of modern technology. Children should reduce the use of digital devices at home once they know the negative impact it has on them. Additionally, policies should be imposed regarding the time and place of use of digital gadgets. Screen time is inevitable in today’s technologically advanced environment. The widespread availability and accessibility of digital tools mean that their usage in homes will only increase, but it is critical that family members maintain a focus on the use of digital devices in a way that it does not affect the family ties. Parents may try to prevent their children from the use of technology, but this has proven futile because of the positive effects technology may have on learning, particularly in student involvement. The use of technology at home should be restricted rather than eliminated since doing so would be futile and counterproductive. Overuse of technology has been proven to be detrimental to children’s education and the breakdown of families due to the overuse of technology, which is why these suggested solutions should be implemented at a family level.
Technology Alternatives
Families should explore technological alternatives. Even before the invention of modern technology, people found ways to pass the time. Some of the time the children spend on the gadget may be released by introducing conventional non-technology entertainment such as hard paper books, board games, and outdoor recreation (Hartle, 2019). Planning moments together as a family that are phone- and computer-free is crucial for developing communication and relationship skills. Additionally, families should develop a policy on the use of technology at home. Have a strategy for monitoring your child’s usage and ensuring their safety, considering their age and making sure they know when and how they may use the gadgets you allow them to use. Establish strict penalties for infractions of the rule. Do not give children more screen time than you have allowed as a reward. Families should set guidelines for how and when technology can be utilized. All family members should unplug during mealtimes and turn off all digital devices in the bedroom. Parents should set a good example, such as charging their phone in the kitchen and leaving it there for the rest of the night.
Suggested technology alternative and proactive steps
The suggested technology alternative and proactive steps are the best solution for addressing excessive use of technology at home. Introducing traditional forms of entertainment such as singing ad play games provides an excellent way to reduce screen time while promoting family bonding and communication (Amlor, 2016). By setting a policy, parents can effectively manage and control their children’s technology use and ensure that it does not negatively impact their education, health, or relationships. Implementing such a policy also ensures that children are aware of the risks associated with technology use and how to use it safely and responsibly. By setting a good example and adhering to the policy themselves, parents can further reinforce the importance of responsible technology use and help to promote a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. Overall, by combining technology alternatives and policy implementation, families can effectively manage technology use, reduce negative effects, and promote healthy relationships and communication within the family.
Counter Argument /rebuttal
The argument that parents are too busy with work to provide adequate attention to their children is not a justification for overusing technology. Rather, it highlights the importance of finding a balance between work and family life, and prioritizing quality time with children. This can involve activities such as playing board games, going for a walk, or simply having a conversation. It is also important to note that technology can actually hinder the development of social skills in children, as it can limit face-to-face interactions and communication (Keeley & Little, 2017).By encouraging children to engage in activities that involve socialization and human interaction, parents can help them develop these crucial skills and ultimately become more well-rounded individuals (Keeley & Little, 2017). Technology promotes family separation because it reduces face-to-face interaction, changes influences, distances communication, and exposes children to harmful information through video games, the internet, and social media at a young age. The priority for parents should be to caution children about the risks associated with using various forms of modern technology, reduce their use of digital devices, and restrict the use of technology rather than eliminate
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology can be an important tool, but it should not replace the important aspects of family life. In some ways, the proliferation of electronic devices has made it harder for parents to form bonds with their children. This barrier interferes with parents’ capacity to interact with their children face to face, exert influence over them, and help them feel valued, safe, connected, loved, and secure. The results might be the same in mature relationships. The quality of interpersonal relationships, especially those inside families, is seriously endangered by technological overuse. Risks to family relationships and well-being are associated with the widespread use of cutting-edge technology in the home. The increasingly heavy reliance on electronic media at families’ expense of face-to-face connection seriously affects family growth and relationships. Overuse of digital devices by parents makes children feel like their parents need to pay more attention to them since they are always on their phones or laptops. Setting a positive example, warning children about the risks, and enforcing limits on time and place usage are all things parents can do to combat excessive use of technology at home. By doing so, we can strengthen our relationships and create a happier, healthier family environment.
References
Amlor, M. Q. (2016). Imparting indigenous knowledge through traditional forms of entertainment: The role of ewe play games. World, 3(2), 64-74.
Hartle, L. C. (2019). Technology and young children: Processes, context, research, and practice. In STEM in early childhood education (pp. 22-45). Routledge.
Keeley, B., & Little, C. (2017). The State of the Worlds Children 2017: Children in a Digital World. UNICEF. 3 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017.
Lasser, J., & Ellis, J. (2022). Parenting and Technology. In Parenting Across Cultures: Childrearing, Motherhood and Fatherhood in Non-Western Cultures (pp. 339-350). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Singer, J., & Brodzinsky, D. (2020). Virtual parent-child visitation in support of family reunification in the time of COVID-19. Developmental Child Welfare, 2(3), 153-171.
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