Technology and Children: A Harm or a Benefit?

The amount of children using technology is increasing dramatically, and it is often common to see a child with a phone in his or her hand while the parent is chatting away. Although technology has become a source of quick information and convenience, it is imperative that we question both the benefits and harms of technology on children. 

The first article, titled The Constant Lure For Smartphones is Bad for Children's Health aims to explain the harmful effects of a child's mental health when he or she uses technology excessively. The author uses the observations of Julie Lynn Evans, a child physiotherapist to prove his point that intense use of the internet can harm children. With technology becoming more easy to carry around, children can often access the internet without parental supervision.   Essentially, one can access any content on the internet, and children may therefore run into mature content that might disturb them. "Something is clearly happening," she (Julie) says, "because I am seeing the evidence in the numbers of depressive, anorexic, cutting children who come to see me. And it always has something to do with the computer, the Internet, and the smartphone" (Standford). 

Stanford claims the main crucial step needed is for parents to not only increase their control over what children have access to, but to stop the issue from starting in the first place. The main reason a small child would start to use a smartphone is if his or her parent is too busy to spend time with them. Therefore, the smartphone becomes the main source of the child's learning and entertainment. Although electronic use in moderation is good, it can soon become addictive and harm the child. 

The second article, titled Social Media Helps Students Write Better, makes the argument that although social media can potentially harm kids, it can also serve as a way for them to channel their emotions  in a healthier manner. The author used his Facebook account to make observations about the posts of his students. He realized that Facebook for many, is a way for them to share their insecurities and worries. People are able to discuss more sensitive topics openly, for example regarding sex, drug abuse, and poverty.  The article states, "Just as social networking frees users from public decorum and encourages the birthing of troll alter egos, it allows my students to safely, if temporarily, construct kinder, gentler versions of themselves as well"(Simmons).  Simmons, the author, realized that students who are able to talk about these topics more comfortably on Facebook and other social media networking sites tend to use more personal topics in their formal writings for school. Such writing helps students channel their emotions and build self confidence. Viewing more varied ideas through social media may also increase a child's creativity and knowledge about the world. 

It is very important to realize however, that the observations the author made encompass only a small fraction of the possible consequences of social media. The claims Simmons made are based off his limited observations that may not be what other people always experience. When using this source, it is crucial to remain aware of this, and that social media is often a site for hurt and harmful behavior.

Although I agree with both sides, I have come to the conclusion that everything is beneficial in moderation.  In the advancing world, depriving a child of education will only hinder their development. With increasing globalization, technology may help children gain a greater sense of the world. However, it is important to also encourage kids to use their own mind and creativity. At the end of the day, technology should be used as an aid, not a convenience.

Stanford, Peter. "The Constant Lure of Smartphones Is Bad for Children's Mental Health." (indent)  Does the Internet Increase Anxiety? Ed. Tamara Thompson. Farmington Hills, MI: (indent)Greenhaven Press, 2016. At      Issue. Rpt. from "Are Smartphones Making Our (indent)Children Mentally Ill?" Telegraph 21 Mar. 2015. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. (indent)Web. 12 Oct. 2016.

Simmons, Andrew. "Social Media Helps Students Write Better." Are Social Networking Sites                        (indent)Harmful? Ed. Noah Berlatsky. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2015. At (Indent)Issue.Rpt. from "Facebook Has Transformed My Students' Writing—For the Better."  (Indent)Atlantic (18 Nov 2013). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.

*Note: the website is not working that well and It will not let me indent the citation, therefore I have signaled my intention of indenting by writing Indent, even though the format is off. Thanks!