Here I am, on my laptop, using the Internet, to tell you about digital dangers. Yes, I see the irony in that. :-) Today on the radio, Focus on the Family's daily broadcast had a panel of experts who were sharing findings from a variety of research that points to the increasingly noticeable issues being discovered in young people from the over-use of technology, smart phones, video games, etc. And they've even given a name to this new condition: "Digital Dementia." I don't know about you, but it's rather alarming that children are being "diagnosed" with a condition that is typically associated with senior citizens. Check out this article from some research that's been conducted in South Korea (an area in the world especially connected to all things technology-related).
The Focus on the Family broadcast and the article are well worth the time to listen and read. If you have young children especially, please consider how much your children live a "virtual" life versus interacting with the world around them. Did you know the use of technology (especially at early ages) actually effects how children's brains develop? That's alarming to me. My husband, a software developer, discourages the use of technology in young children. Instead of downloading a coloring book app, just use a REAL coloring book and crayons. Revolutionary thinking, huh?
So, bottom line, examining your child's use of technology is something that needs to occur on a regular basis. Technology is not going away. The Internet is not going to get "friendlier" over time. Parents, your only option is to be aware.
