Can early exposure to technology be bad for the intellectual and emotional growth of children? As technology continues to rapidly progress and become an increasingly prominent part of our daily lives, many parents are understandably concerned about the potential effects of early exposure to technology on their children’s intellectual and emotional growth.
With so many digital devices and platforms readily available, it can be difficult for parents to navigate the complex world and use of technology to ensure that their children are using it in healthy and productive ways.
Furthermore the online community presents numerous potential hazards for young children, which they may unwillingly encounter while exploring the internet. These dangers can range from exposure to inappropriate content to cyber bullying or even online predators. The early exposure to online content has a significant impact on the development of children’s thought process and behavioral patterns.
Childhood Development
During the early stages of life, specifically the first five years, the brain undergoes a crucial period of development and learning. This phase is referred to as Cognitive Development and includes a multitude of skills. For example skills like language acquisition, numerical understanding and problem solving capabilities. It is during this time that the foundation for future learning and development is established. Making it a pivotal period in a child’s life.
Language Acquisition
Language Acquisition is the acquirement of language and conversation. Children develop their linguistics abilities by engaging in social interactions with people in their close environment, such as caregivers, siblings, and other people. In fact the way children acquire language is actually universal and most go through a similar process. For example as they progress in their learning, they consistently achieve significant developmental milestones that are universal, as most children go through the same process.
Milestones
From the moment of their birth, children possess the innate capacity to perceive and distinguish sounds across various languages. Furthermore, their linguistic development is contingent upon the extent of social interaction they receive.
Five Months
In the first five months after birth, infants have limited sound production abilities. They can distinguish between tones, produce cooing sounds and cries. Furthermore crying is their primary way of expressing needs, with different cries conveying different things.
Six to Seventeen Months
Around this age babies grasp the meaning of words and simple commands such as “no.” Furthermore, they may attempt to imitate the sounds they hear in their environment. However their attempts are typically limited to nonsensical babbling words like “mama” and “baba.” While they initially expressed themselves through crying and other vocalizations, at this stage babies use body language and gestures to effectively communicate their needs and desires.
Eighteen Months to Three Years
By 18 months to about three years, babies typically have a vocabulary of around 50 words. Also they start to combine words to express their needs, understand simple concepts, and ask questions.
Technology Stunts Developmental Growth
In these modern times of advanced technology, children are spending more and more time on their screens. As a result, they are experiencing less time outdoors and fewer opportunities for face-to-face conversations. Many parents have also turned to tablets and online resources to teach their children. While learning online certainly offers its advantages, it can hinder children’s social development and cause them to fall behind in language development.
Furthermore, more and more kids are choosing to engage in online games over physical activities, leading to an increase in childhood obesity rates. It is crucial that parents monitor the amount of time their kids spend online and encourage them to spend more time outdoors or participate in sports. Parents should also engage their children in conversations and encourage them to experience real-life socializing.
The excessive use of technology has not only stunted social skills, but it has also been linked to behavioral issues. For instance, most teens have difficulty with short attention spans because they are glued to their phone screens. This presents a constant issue in the classrooms where teachers are trying to teach, but students won’t get off their phones.
It is crucial that we address the negative effects that technology has brought on and take steps to break any harmful patterns. Turning a blind eye to these issues will only make matters worse.
Written by Meredith Garcia
Resources
CDC: CDC Grand Rounds: Addressing Health Disparities in Early Childhood
Very Well Family: How Do Children Learn Language
NU.edu: The negative Effects of Technology on Children
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Michael Kappel’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Linuxbear’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
