In today's conditions, it does not seem possible to reject the place of technological devices in our lives and not to include them in our lives. With the Covid19 epidemic process we are in as a world and the remote working and distance education process that has entered our lives, the time we spend in front of the computer has increased significantly. So how do we protect our children from technology, which is so attractive, life-enabling and widespread for individuals of all ages?
There is now a generation born into the world of technology. While playing computer games and spending time in front of the screen is the greatest entertainment for this generation, imposing a ban will not work and will have the opposite effect. As in every process, what we need to do when using technology is to be a conscious consumer, teach your child how to use it and benefit from technology. However, what parents need to do in order to avoid harm and benefit from technology is to set limits for the child. One of the things that misleads parents the most is that a child's ability to master technology at an early age and use tablets and phones comfortably is not a sign of intelligence. Children who are introduced to technological devices and the virtual world earlier than their parents are more skilled in using technology. The child, who thinks that this ability is a sign of intelligence and does not set limits, becomes vulnerable to dangers in terms of duration and content as he spends more time. The fact that users can communicate with each other in interactive, that is, virtual, online games, which has increased in recent years, creates a risk factor by making children vulnerable in terms of sexual abuse and substance use.
WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO?
Zero screen contact is recommended especially in the 0-3 age period. At this age, it is quite wrong to use the screen to help a child eat and increase his appetite. It causes chronic loss of appetite in the child who is forced to eat in front of the screen.
One of the things parents should do is to be a role model. We cannot expect behaviors from children that we do not practice in our own lives. Because children learn by seeing, not by hearing. What needs to be done at this point is for the parent to review his/her own use of technology and find balance by applying it to his/her own life. It is a river. Children who constantly see phones in their parents' hands will do the same, and your suggestions will be useless towards your child.
If your child spends too much time with technology, reacts too much when you take it away from him, and has difficulty setting boundaries, you should not forget that such situations may cause technology addiction in the future. . In this case, families should definitely get help from an expert.
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