Technologies That Empower Children - Essay Example

Section/# Technology and Children: A 5 Article Review and Summary It is without question that technology hasdramatically shifted to the way in which the world is currently represented. Even a few years ago, the proliferation of technology was lower than it is today. The ever-increasing extent to which technology pervades the lives of individuals within the current era has ultimately invoked two responses. The first of these responses, represented within the summary of several of the articles that will be presented, is with regard to the fact that humanity must further integrate with technology as a means of developing its potential to a further degree. The alternative response, also represented within several summaries of the articles will be discussed, cautions that technology is ultimately a bad thing for society, and children specifically; raising issues related to poor health, lack of exercise, poor posture, and a litany of other examples. Through analyzing these two distinct approaches, represented within the sorriest which will be discussed, is the hope of this author that the reader will come to a more informed understanding concerning the health and development of future generations alongside the specter of ever-increasing technology. The first article that will be summarized, printed in the Guardian and entitled “Technology can empower children in developing countries – if it’s done right”, discusses the way in which the current world is increasingly dominated by technology of nearly each and every variety. Moreover, a further discussion is directed towards the fact that many of the large multinational firms that exists within the current market invested millions of dollars in providing children in the more destitute areas of the globe with technology; in the hopes that such a process will create future generations of capable minds that can be utilized within the workforce (Kelly, 2013). Yet, rather than merely stating that it is incumbent upon existing multinationals and governments to focus upon developing the computer skills of their youth, the article cautions that metrics and goals for what technical skills should be effected must be understood. In such a way, the article warns that merely providing at cost or free computing equipment to millions of young people does not actually guarantee a result. The secondary article that was read for this brief analysis was entitled “10 reasons why handheld devices should be banned for children under the age of twelve”. As the reader can guess from the title, the authors of this particular article point to the damaging impact that increasing levels of technology have on the mental and physical development of youth. Along these issues, the authors the following: rapid rate of growth, the late development, and obesity, sleep deprivation, the mental illness, aggression, digital dementia, addictions, radiation emission, and he unsustainable levels which all of these factors contribute (Rowan, 2014). Whereas many of the articles and points of view that are oftentimes put forward with respect to technology and the means by which it should be presented to the child are ultimately opinion base, the preceding article is one that is based entirely upon the fact; with verifiable references. Similarly, the Mail Online recently published an article that focused on the physiological hardships that technological dependence is creating for an entire generation. With an article entitled, “A Generation of iPad children who cannot hold a pencil: playing with touchscreen devices means that youngsters are struggling to learn basic motor skills”, the author engages subject matter experts in psychology, physiology, and early childhood development that argue that over-exposure to tech devices can actually stunt the behavioral, mental, and physical growth/development of children. Once again, even though a discussion of relevant statistics and data is represented, the author of the article does not spend any time discussing the fact that a level of technological proficiency is required in adolescence so that the youth of today can meet the challenges of the coming labor market (Harris, 2013). Such an oversight is troubling due to the fact that a knee jerk reaction to the benefits or drawbacks of technology is not what the current educational climate requires. Rather, an informed discussion that weighs the positives and negatives would be a far more effective and rational way to approach this topic. The fourth article, published on bbc.com and entitled “Young and Technology at Home”, takes something of a more balanced approach to the issue. Whereas all of the articles that have thus far been presented seek to argue for a higher or lower overall level of technological integration within the lives of the young, the bbc.com article encourages parents and guardians (including educators) to balance the need for incorporating technology within the everyday life and education of the young person. Once again, statistics and references are present with regard to the advantages and disadvantages that are linked to technological proliferation within the youth (Glenn, 2014). The article is one of the only ones that was analyzed that ultimately allows the reader to determine for themselves what can and cannot be considered as a healthy level of technology within the life of the adolescent. Finally, the fifth article, entitled “Technology is a back injury time bomb for children” focuses on the dangers of physical disability that the current culture of technological proliferation is effecting. Discussing the unique dynamics of the way in which technology encourages children to sit and extend their necks for longer and longer periods of time, the authors investigate the way in which this has potential long term physiological damage for the spine (Richards, 2013). Rather than merely reducing the level of exercise that the child is able to get, the author argues for the fact that the fact that children are actively growing exponentially increases the risk of damage to their spine during this sensitive phase of development. Whereas improving posture can help, the fact of the matter is that proper posture techniques are not understood or appreciated by many young children; as they do not see a relevant reason to worry about the condition of their spine or the way in which they are sitting and using a laptop, tablet, or PC. From the information that has been presented, two distinct points of view have been represented. With the exception of the bbc.om article, each of the articles promote an understanding that is either concentric upon reducing technological use within the younger generation or one that promotes a further level of technological integration. For purposes of analysis and comparison, it is the belief of this author that both of these arguments are grounded in fact and should at least be partially engaged. Ultimately, the success of future generations is partially contingent upon the degree of familiarity that they are able to have with electronic devices. Accordingly, the need to be familiar with them and competent in their use is essential if they are to be profitable and gain the necessary skills to maintain a level of competency and competitiveness in the job market of the future. Yet, by the same token, it is clear and apparent that over-dependence, and in some cases actual technological addiction, has been witnessed in many members of the adolescent community. Accordingly, it would be the recommendation of this particular analyst that the level of integration that the youth are encouraged to have with technology would be limited to educational opportunities that do not define nor eclipse the way that they might engage in reading, arithmetic, or other relevant subject studies. Within such a measured approach, the dangers of over-use, dependence, and physiological damage to the youth is reduced significantly; while at the same time, the ability of these stakeholders to learn relevant skills is still maximized. Bibliography Glenn, P. (2014). BBC - CBeebies Grown-ups - Young children and technology at home. [online] Bbc.co.uk. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/article/young-children-and-technology [Accessed 8 May. 2014]. Harris, S. (2013). iPads mean youngsters are struggling to learn basic motor skills. [online] Mail Online. Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2516624/Generation-iPad-children-hold-pencil-Playing-touch-screen-devices-means-youngsters-struggling-learn-basic-motor-skills.html [Accessed 8 May. 2014]. Kelly, A. (2013). Technology can empower children in developing countries - if its done right. [online] the Guardian. Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/technology-empower-children-developing-countries [Accessed 8 May. 2014]. Richards, T. (2013). Technology is a back injury time bomb for children - Telegraph. [online] Telegraph.co.uk. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10445315/Technology-is-a-back-injury-time-bomb-for-children.html [Accessed 8 May. 2014]. Rowan, C. (2014). Ten reasons why handheld devices should be banned for children under the age of 12 | Moving to Learn. [online] Movingtolearn.ca. Available at: http://movingtolearn.ca/2014/ten-reasons-why-hand-held-devices-should-be-banned-for-children-under-the-age-of-12 [Accessed 8 May. 2014]. Read More