Recent technology has developed exponentially as it eases remote access to various services and devices, including Computers, smart phones, tablets, etc, where ideas and knowledge are widely exchanged and available in several languages. Yet, when addressing issues related to the negative effects of new technologies, the child is the first person that comes to mind.
How can the use of the internet affect children in ways we cannot possibly predict?
It is commonly believed that the internet has nowadays become one’s necessary means to reach different intentions. It is a worldwide means through which families and friends communicate and interact easily and effectively with each other. By being able to use such a magnificent system, we are capable of going beyond engaging in communication, to give an illustration of this point, let’s consider the following example:
we, as Internet users, can share and exchange information on a large scale to a wide range of people for the sake of disseminating knowledge for the short term, and therefore fulfilling our needs and intentions successfully. Not to mention that the internet can be usefully applied to most of the major problems faced by the child during his or her learning process as it facilitates the ability to apprehend and grasp various notions that seem to be much harder to know without the help of the web.
On the other hand, placing greater reliance on the use of the internet might result in several problems, such as distraction and concentration difficulties, i.e. distracting the kid’s attention from accomplishing his tasks regularly and getting his work to be done on time, which would certainly contribute to failure and disappointment for both – the child and his parents.
Indeed, kids are not supposed to sitting in front of the computer, surfing useless websites that will not add any further progress in their conceptual background. Instead, they are bound to discover new fruitful and interesting facts that concern various major issues in order for them to be aware and conscious enough of all life aspects.
Another negative aspect of the internet refers to violence, in other words, Children can sometimes watch video games featured with fight and noise, causing the child’s resort to imitating those violent scenes whose impact can be widely stressed on his behavior.
Further, parents are supposed to make clear for children the right use of the content through clarifying protective measures related to the sharing of the large amount of information, photos, and videos circulated on websites.
The psychological and health effects of the internet use among children remain perhaps the most debated. Studies have shown the extent to which it might cause several health problems, among of which are vision problems, neck pain, laziness, strain, insomnia, etc.
After all, the main reason behind such problems arises from the child’s lack of awareness and understanding of the use of technology rather than the technology itself.
Thus, it is appropriate that parents consider the effective ways to maintain a balanced and secure environment for children when surfing the internet, as Miep Gies said: ‘’ Children who use the internet are much better informed than when I was young. Use this to your advantage.’’
As the quote defines itself, the internet is highly recommended for the child as long as its daily use is under control, being used as a means of developing his mental capacities and abilities to meet his personal needs and objectives, as well as improving speaking skills for second language learners. Otherwise, it might turn out to be risky.
By Nouhaila El Bouhli