Is Digital Technology Making Parenting Harder in Modern Times?

Swastika Jana |

Parents Corner |

2023-09-05 |

null mins read

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Table of Contents

 

Introduction  

It’s not usual for parents to complain about their being on their phone all the time. But last week, a parent’s comment really surprised me. The mother said, ” My 3-year daughter refuses to eat unless I give my phone to her. She will play games or watch kids’ videos online the whole time I’m feeding her.”  

 

Overcome kids addiction to digital technology.

With the emergence of cheaper cell network services and devices, digital technology has seeped into even the very rural parts of India. So, what does parenting in the age of digital technology look like? Are parenting and technology issues as harmful as it appears? While we are getting newer technologies every year, most parents do not think it has made life any easier. 

In fact, among all parents, the vast majority (70%) do not think the devices make parenting easier, compared to 29% who say they do.

Center on Media and Human Development
School of Communication, Northwestern University

Problems faced by parents due to technology.

 

body issues due to digital technology

 

Social media and other online spaces have created an epidemic of low self-esteem and body image issues among young teens and teenagers. In this virtual world, your desirability and popularity are equated with the number of likes or comments you garner. It’s a never-ending competition to remain relevant, join the latest trend, and do what others are doing. Kids look at same-aged people and begin to compare themselves to them subconsciously. It prompts them to buy similar things, lose weight, go on diets, and much more. And even when they achieve that goal, they are quickly bombarded with hundreds more.  

Poor academic performance: 

Solutions and strategies for effective usage of technology.

 

Does this mean that technology is bad and should be removed from our life? Not at all. Parenting in the age of digital technology can be a blessing if one learns to regulate the use. The following methods can solve the most common troubles of digital addiction: 

  1. Limit and monitor the time spent on all digital devices including mobile phones. Tablets, computers, and television. 
  2.  Establish device-free times where all family members gather to interact and have a chat with each other. 
  3. Prevent the children from taking mobile phones/tablets to bed. 
  4. Limit the data plan in all family devices. 
  5. Set an example for them. Parents who are responsible with their device use are more likely to influence their kids to do the same.  
  6. Install parental control on televisions, mobiles, and computers for kids and young teens.  

These rules, if followed strictly, creates a healthy usage pattern among the whole family.  

 

Furthermore, there are many positive effects of technology on child development. Parenting in the age of digital technology has certain advantages that the previous generation did not have.  

  1. The pandemic has shown the importance of online classes.  
  2. A child can now access hundreds of virtual eBooks from their computer and laptop.  
  3. The internet is also full of documentary and educational shows that parents can watch with their kids.  
  4. Video calling now brings a parent working far away closer to the child. 
  5. Leaving a child on their own is also much safer with the emergence of mobile phones. A child can call not only the parents but also the police or a hospital with a press of the button. 

Meeting in the middle.

Technology can be a blessing or a curse depending on its usage. As parents, it’s always important to sit down and talk about using everything in moderation. Parenting in the age of digital technology opens up the door to a wide range of experiences for both parents and their children. It gives them a chance to spend time and bond with each other. So, reach out to your child and create a plan that enriches the lives of all the members.

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Does parenting get easier or harder as the kids get older?

 

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