Children Dependency on Technology - Assignment Example

Children Dependency on Technology Summary Children dependency on technology has been effective in controlling various ailments in children. Today’s improvement in technology has made it possible for children to rely on technology for survival in homes (Cockett, 2012). The reliance on technology by children in homes includes their dependency on ventilators. In relation to some developments where children receive treatment in the community or homes, there are various social implications involved. The dependency of children on technology in home setting therefore, brings various psychological perspectives. Policy, as well as frameworks needs to be developed to provide a basis for care to technology- dependent children. Relating to children dependency on technology, certain critical aspects need considerations. It is vital to understand that technology has been influential in assisting elevate disability issues in children. Technology dependency by children has increased their survival rates. Technology dependency has been instrumental in assisting children attain basic life functions (Cockett, 2012). On the physiological front, technological dependency by children assists families attain normalcy. On the other hand, the transition of technology dependent children from hospitals to homes impairs families. This paper provides various perspectives to associate with technology-dependent children. It relates to the social implications technology-dependent children have on families. The paper stimulates critical thinking on the provision of medical machinery in the home environment. It further provides a basis for future research and basis for policy development. Technology-dependent Children It is imperative to note that the improvement in technology in the medical field has been assistive to children with chronic medical conditions. The improvement in technology in the medical field has improved the survival rates of patients. Such improvements have made it possible for the industry to provide better services. Unlike decades ago, the use of expensive machinery has been important in saving premature children. Another group of children, who are Technological- dependent, relate to children with disabilities (Cockett, 2012). The increase in cases of children needing care has dramatically increased over the last decades. To cut on costs hospitals have transferred their care technology to homes and community. This implication has made pediatric homes popular in the society. Children living with various chronic illnesses wish to live a normal life. It is true that such children on their own will wish to live independent lifestyles. For example, children or individuals living with kidney disease wish to have a normal life. Such individuals would not love their kidney condition prevent them from enjoying a normal life. This therefore, brings into perspective the need of such groups to attain states of “Normalization”. Research further reveals that there is brewing tension between the society and technology-dependent children (Cockett, 2012). A case is the independence of children on ventilators for survivals. This group of children may be termed as medically disabled because of their dependence. On the other hand, such children reveals into perspective that the society relates to them as disabled. According to Cockett (2012), children depending on the technology for support on the medical field have three areas to receive care. Such children may receive care in hospitals, homes and pediatric care homes. Institutions such as hospitals save on cost by transferring such children to their homes. However, such transition has its implications on families and on the treatment of ailments. Such programs of transferring children to homes neglect the consideration of the emotional as well as social needs the groups. Children dependent on the technology may either require constant and continuous care or on specific occasions. Parents living with children with such conditions undergo many challenges. Despite the fact that they have to transact their normal chores, they need to provide care to their child. Children dependent on technology may either participate in family activities. The other groups of children depending on technology may not have the freedom to participate in family chores. The growing trend of families caring for Technology dependent children in homes has an economic as well as emotional burden on the community (Cockett, 2012). To move children from the hospital setting to homes means moving them from professionals to untrained individuals. To add to the complexity of caring for such groups of children, medical personnel take years to learn how to offer care. Technology-dependent children in hospitals receive care in shifts and in the intensive care units (Cockett, 2012). To provide care for such children on a 24hour shift, without adequate training is overbearing to parents. Such influences may lead to burnouts as well as psychological problems for home based caregivers. Influence of Pediatric homes on children Children with technology dependent needs in pediatric care homes undergo various challenges. Such homes are emotionally nurturing to children as well as development of their socials skills. In such environments, caregivers as well as children enjoy states of tranquility that assists in elevating anxiety and tension. Such homes have been instrumental in assisting children develop their self-identities (Cockett, 2012). By participating in various activities at the homes, children develop their self-images. Children in pediatric homes additionally get an opportunity to build human relationships as well construct meaning of life. Parents’ Experiences Technology dependent children depend on one or several medical equipments. Children with these conditions in the society rely on ongoing on substation care. Relating to provision of care to technology dependent Children, trained as well as lay caregivers provide care services. In respect to the provision of care in homes, research reveal that families undergo many mental, physical, emotional and financial difficulties (Mendes, 2013). Parents with technology- dependent children witness their children social and emotional growth. Of prime importance to the parents relates to the education of their children. In providing such needs to children, parents undergo various tremendous challenges. Such challenges may have an adverse health effect on caregivers. The implication of providing care to technology-dependent children on parents may result to physical overburden. Since the provision of care to this group of children is an ongoing process, parents face emotional challenges. Parents with such children, tend to have a feeling of guilt, sorrow, as well as frustrations (Cockett, 2012). Another important aspect influencing parents is the probability of role ambiguity. Parents tend to confuse their roles from that of a caregiver to the feeling of pain of their children while providing care (Mendes, 2013). Psychosocial Theory Erik Erikson provides various perspectives on Children development. Erikson by expanding Freud Psychosexual theory provides eight developmental stages that assist children cope in the society. During the facilitation of the developmental stages, Erikson postulates that individuals need to overcome psychological challenges (Dereli-İman, 2014). Erickson developmental theory on Technology-dependent children assists develops social skills. According to the philosopher, the conflicting concepts include trust vs. mistrust. Integrity Vs despair. Stagnation Vs generalization and Intimacy Vs Isolation. The other perspective includes initiative against guilt as well as inferiority against industry. Parents as well as institutional caregivers may utilize the eight developmental theories in fostering learning in children dependent on technology. Such initiatives will involve the development of children’s confidence in development (Dereli-İman, 2014). Children need to receive best treatment with love in order to develop appreciating individuals. Parents on the other hand need insist that their children make independent choices in their development. Another important aspect of children development is the provision of an environment for the development of career interests. Action Plan The action plan in providing appropriate care to Technology- dependent children involve a multiplicity of individuals. The first important aspect in the improvement of care to Technology dependent children is the drafting of policy. The drafting of policy provides functions for every team in the industry. The other aspect that the policy covers includes the provision of additional finances from the federal government for the project. The policy statement further provides the basis for the creation of new institutions. The provision of such care needs to involve the inclusion of institutions, caregivers, as well as parents. The program involves facilitation of physician services in coordination with primary care givers. The program in improving the provision of care to Technology-dependent children revolve around constant training and visits to homes by caregivers. Training program is another important aspect for the program. On the federal level, programs need to be under broadcasting to initiate the agenda on Technology-dependent children. The action plans of the program recognize that children, as well as families have different needs. In response to this perspective, caregivers offer constant consultation on families with Technology-dependent children. Such Initiatives involves the provision of free training for parents, as well as home caregivers (Mendes, 2013). The hospital perspective to solving the issues revolves around the provision of constant visits to the affected families. Physicians as well as healthcare caregivers monitor patients’ progress though telephone conversations. References Cockett, A. (2012). Technology dependence and children: a review of the evidence. Nursing Children & Young People, 24(1), 32-35 Mendes, M. A. (2013). Parents Descriptions of Ideal Home Nursing Care for Their Technology-Dependent Children. Pediatric Nursing, 39(2), 91-96. Dereli-İman, E. (2014). The Effect of the Values Education Programme on 5.5-6 Year old Childrens Social Development: Social Skills, Psycho-social Development and Social Problem Solving Skills. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 14(1), 262-268. Read More