Effects on Children - Essay Example

Computers: Effects on children Computer: Effects on children Experts say that high usage of computers has more negative than positive effects on children development (Lucile Packard Foundation, 2000). The constant exposure of children to computers is currently a public health concern. Since the introduction of computers, the number of children using it has steadily increased. In addition, the number of hours the children spend on computers is also increasing. Some people claim that computers are among the most important innovations in the contemporary society. However, study outcomes reveal that it negatively affects the health of children by hindering their physical, academic, social, and cognitive development. Research outcomes show that more than “two thirds of children aged 8 year” use computers daily (Lucile Packard Foundation, 2000). This is because of the current high accessibility of computers. Its continued usage by children negatively affects their health. Studies show a positive correlation between obesity and the usage of computers. A study conducted in Australia revealed that children who spend more time on computers have a 2.5 percent chance of becoming obese (Subrahmanyam, Kraut, Greenfield et al, 2000). The rate of obesity among children is increasing in the US. One of the factors that contribute to the high rate includes the high usage of computers among other causes. Spending more time on computers implies that children are spending less time in physical activities. Physical activities are important because they help children to burn excess calories. Engaging in less physical activities leads to accumulation of fats and calories in children’s bodies which in turn leads to obesity. Obese children have higher chances of developing other health complications even in their adulthood. For instance, medical experts claim that children with obesity are at a higher risk of getting cardiovascular diseases and being diabetic in their adulthood. Apart from obesity spending more time online can damage the children’s eyes. It also makes them to strain their necks and shoulders. Since children are still developing, some of the effects can lead to long-term health issues. Moreover, technology addiction makes some children to have sleeping disorders. This especially occurs if children have computers in their rooms. Some children prefer shortening their sleeping hours in order to play games or chat with their friends online. If this takes place for a longer period, it disrupts children’s sleeping patterns that may in turn cause sleeping disorders such as insomnia. Lack of enough sleep can affect the mental health of children (Subrahmanyam, Kraut, Greenfield et al., 2000). Studies also prove that high usage of the computers can negatively affect the social development of children (Subrahmanyam, Kraut, Greenfield et al., 2000). Children develop social skills as they interact with other children and their parents. Since most parents are busy working, it is difficult for them to control the number of hours children spend online. Most of them interact with their friends through mail or social sites instead of face-to-face. This reduces their social skill since such children usually find it strange to interact with their friends in real life social settings. In addition, it reduces the bond between children and their families. Real life social interaction helps in reducing emotional tension especially if one shares his problems with others. As such, lack of this interaction can make one to have a feeling of isolation which can lead to depression. In addition, it results into low self-esteem due to lack of social- support. Studies show that children with no social support especially adolescents can harm themselves. Children with more social contacts and social support are usually happier. This means that they are less likely to harm themselves. Children who spend more time online also have difficulties interacting with other people because they develop violent behaviors. Since children are still learning they can be easily influenced by what they see online. This means that some of the violent images and games they play on the computers can influence the children to be violent. It is usually difficult for violent children to make friends since they are feared by other children. The foul language and lack of rules online also negatively influence children since it does not teach them to use proper language. High dependant on computers also exposes children to other social problems such as cyber bullying. Cyber bullying affects children especially if they are embarrassed or insulted on online. This leads to depression and other psychological problems. The cases of children harming themselves because of cyber bullying are currently risings. Researchers also claim that high usage of computers affects children’s cognitive abilities. Children exposed to computers at a very early age have poor development of cognitive abilities. One area of cognitive ability includes language (Lucile Packard Foundation, 2000). Children develop their language skills by interacting with other individuals. If they spend more time on the internet instead of interacting with other people most of the usually have poor language skills. Poor cognitive abilities also results from lack of rules on the internet. According to experts, children usually depend on their parents or other adults to teach them what is right or wrong. Their dependent on the internet makes it difficult for them to know valid information due to the difficulties in controlling what children read online. As a result, children find it difficult to discriminate real and false information. The internet does not allow children to test reality. This makes them to be like strangers in real world. Technology also reduces children’s thinking abilities. Researchers claim that they make children lazy since they search for answers online instead of thinking. It becomes difficult for such children to do their homework on their own. This reduces their thinking capabilities (Subrahmanyam, Kraut, Greenfield et al., 2000). Researchers also report that computer dependence negatively affects children’s academic performances (Jackson, Eye & Biocca, 2003). Children who spend more time using computers than studying usually perform poorly in school. Most of such children usually read when exams are approaching. As a result, they become more depressed when they fail. This especially affects children who develop sleeping disorders because of technology addiction. This is because such children do not pay attention to instructors during class hours. This lowers their learning abilities (Jackson, Eye & Biocca 1). Conclusion Studies reveal that high computer usage affects children’s cognitive abilities, physical health, and social development (Lucile Packard Foundation 2). Computer addiction reduces children’s physical activities. This increases their chance of being obese which has a long-term effect on their health. In addition, less interaction with people in real life reduces children’s social skills and cognitive abilities. As such, it is important for parents to control the time their children spend online. Regulating the sites visited by children will also help in reducing problems related to computer addiction. References Jackson, L. Eye, A. & Biocaa, F. (2003). Children and internet use: Social, psychological and academic consequences. American Psychological Association. Lucile Packard Foundation (2000). Children and computer technology. The Future of Children. Subrahmanyam, K. Kraut, R. Greenfield, P. (2000). The impact of home computer use on children’s activities and development. Journal of children and Computer Technology, 10 (2). Read More