Important Data on Technology

While this post is not as relevant to you if you only have preschool-aged children; nonetheless, it is imperative that you keep yourself abreast of this topic as time passes swiftly.

In the past 3-5 years, much research has surfaced about the harmful effects of smartphones and social media on children. Studies have proven that these devices in our children’s hands are leading to a reprogramming of how their brain works and processes information, not to mention the harmful content that is being consumed. 

Here is a quote from Sean Parker, one of the inventors of Facebook, (now Meta). He says, “The thought process that went into building these applications was all about: ‘How do we consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible?’ Giving the user a dopamine hit every once in a while because someone liked or commented on a photo or post is a social-validation feedback loop.” He admitted that the inventors and creators understood this consciously and did it anyway.

So, what about smartphones?  The pressure is real beginning at age 10. Parents, I suggest banding together. Get educated as to the perils – both for your children’s brains and souls. Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer at Bark Technologies, an online safety company, offers some incredible and alarming stats from Bark’s 2024 Annual Report on Children and Technology.  You can access the report here.  This report analyzes more than 7.9 billion messages across texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and social media platforms on behalf of families. It breaks down ages between tweens and teens, the percentages of each demographic and analyzes these areas: bullying, depression, predators, disordered eating, anxiety, self-harm/suicide, drugs, and alcohol. Earlier this year, Titania spoke at one of our Coffee & Learns. Along with her plethora of technology information, she told us about a 90-minute documentary entitled Childhood 2.0 and can be found on You Tube, here. This is for parental viewing only, and it is difficult to watch portions of it.

Another trusted resource is Arlene Pellicane. She is on the Happy Home podcast; search for Reset Your Tech – Rescuing the Anxious Generation, September 30, 2024, episode #199. The content is good, with a soft delivery and only 27 minutes. She is also the co-author of Screen Kids with Dr. Gary Chapman; worth reading to learn A+ Skills for children, non-tech related and biblical worldview.

At the preschool and elementary ages, take your children outside and allow free play! Find the balance between adult direction and childhood boredom. After boredom comes creative play, and it will take about 40 minutes of boredom for creativity to take hold. A play set in the backyard is a great investment. Go for family walks frequenting nature paths and nearby parks. Tossing a ball in the yard, climbing a tree, gathering pinecones or acorns, playing Mother May I or Red Light, Green Light are good options. How about painting the outside landscape, bushes, or trees? I hope you’ll rescue your child from nature-deficit disorder (a term coined by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods), and trek outside every afternoon! When your child matriculates from RDS, check the amount of recess time built into each day. Along with recess, I believe our length of day for our PreK, and K program is perfect. I am not keen on a longer day at those ages. Outside play is more important in my opinion, and recess time is vital to a young child’s overall development.

Next week, I will share some specific book titles, organizations, and smart phone alternatives.