The Digital Dilemma
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, technology has permeated every aspect of our lives, profoundly influencing how we work, communicate, and even raise our children. As a parent to three young boys, I wasn’t quite prepared for how much technology would impact my parenting journey. Having been raised in a different time, when digital technology was basically non-existent, it has been difficult to know how to navigate this new digital age. The warnings are every where: “too much screen time melts brains;” “beware cyber-bulliesand online predators.” We are bombarded from every direction. There is a lot of pressure to shield our kids and keep them away from those addicting games and apps that have infiltrated our lives. A sense of shame follows when you fail. However, there is no denying that this new way of life is here to stay. Technology is only advancing and further influencing our lives, and as much as we are warned of the dangers, there are also many benefits that come along with it. And so, I have found myself grappling with the delicate balance of incorporating technology into my children’s lives while safeguarding their well-being and development.
Harnessing the Benefits
My experience as a parent has shown me the incredible potential that technology holds in fostering my children’s cognitive growth and development. Educational apps and interactive online resources have become indispensable tools, transforming learning into an engaging and dynamic experience. Many of these tools have been recommended to me by my kids’ own teachers. During the global pandemic, when in-person learning was suspended, online learning was the only way to learn. While not ideal, parents were grateful that the time was not completely wasted. Because of technology, our children could continue to advance their education and connect with their teachers and peers through online options. I’m also aware that a love and understanding of the digital tools they use could lead to future career opportunities. An entire field of employment has opened up as a result of the digital age. And whether or not my children choose to pursue careers in the digital sector, technology will still impact their future as much as it does their present.
There is also a sense of connectivity and opportunities for bonding that come along with certain uses of technology. My oldest has recently started using FaceTime to video chat with relatives and even myself and my husband when we are away. Everyone loves when his little face pops up on their screen and he regales them with stories about his day. In addition to this, there are video games. While less beneficial in an educational sense, I see some benefits in terms of the bondingthat happens between my children while they play their favourite games. They problem-solve together and challenge each other to complete the latest levels, all the while laughing and engaging in silly banter. When they lose they build resilience and a determination to overcome their limitations. Witnessing my children grow and develop many skills through technology has reinforced my belief in the positive impact it can have on their lives.
Setting Boundaries and Ensuring Safety
Yet, the challenge of balancing screen time is a recurrent theme in my parenting journey. The research is clear that excessive screen time is linked to various health issues, including sleep disturbances, depression, and increased risk of obesity. Establishing and enforcing reasonable limits has required constant adjustment as my children grow and their interests evolve. Recognizing the importance of physical activities and face-to-face interactions, I have found that setting boundaries is a delicate art. My children are too young to understand the drawbacks of digital engagement, which means they don’t understand why limits must be set. I’m constantly faced with them begging for “five more minutes,” and testing my patience with their little tantrums when I stick to my rules. I have to find ways to strike a balance in their life until they learn to do this for themselves. I do this by steering them toward other activities and also by leading by example. Children learn and build habits by mirroring their parents, so I have to remind myself to limit my own screen time as well.
Preparing for the Digital Future
Image © Subbotina Anna via Shutterstock.
Navigating the digital age as a parent has also brought to light the critical issue of online safety. The responsibility to educate my children about the potential risks associated with internet use has led me to stay informed about cybersecurity measures and to implement rules around how they use any sort of digital media. While I hope to hold off social media apps such as Facebook and TikTok for as long as possible, I know that eventually my children will use these platforms and they need to be prepared for the risks that come along with them. Risks such as online predators, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. And so, I feel I must take a proactive approach that aims to empower my children by openly communicating with them and instilling in them a sense of responsibility and awareness.
Raising children in a digital age requires parents to embrace the advantages technology offers while mitigating its potential pitfalls. While the dangers are real and often all we hear about, we can’t deny the opportunities. I hope to raise children that are resilient, informed, and capable of thriving in the digital landscape. By actively engaging with my children, setting reasonable boundaries, and staying informed about digital trends, I aim to cultivate an environment that harnesses the benefits of the digital age, while safeguarding their well-being and development.