Baby and computer
The computer has become an integral part of life and has started to replace family contacts, games with peers, reading books or physical activity for children. Computer for many dzieci is currently seen as the most important, most attractive way to spend time, not only in free time. When children start using the computer too early, especially without adult control, instead of an excellent tool for education and development and a source of joy, it becomes the basis of many threats and problems.
A child and a computer are convenient, but is it really a good connection? Conscious parents more and more often ask themselves if and what can be done to prevent a computer for children from becoming the whole world. Can access to electronics be organized in such a way that children at the computer use the achievements of new technologies without becoming completely dependent on them? How to prevent negative effects of sitting at the computer for too long? If you have similar dilemmas and doubts, our guide is just for you.
Computer for children it will not help the parents
New technologies are constantly emerging, the computer becomes easier and easier to obtain. Sitting at the computer, the child often has a lot of fun and educational games at his disposal, thanks to which he will learn independently. Adults, on the other hand, may be under the illusion that in today's world efficient use of available electronics will give their children a better start in the future and will improve their intellectual development. Parents often want to believe that the child at the computer, busy in front of the screen, does not require attention during this time. Unfortunately, faith in this case is not enough.
Expert advises
Although it is impossible to stop technological progress and it is impossible to protect a child from contact with electronics, Parents' constant knowledge of how much, when and how their child spends their time using the computer is essential. Total prohibitions are not necessary, but technology is to remain just a tool that must be kept in full control.
The effects of sitting in front of the computer for too long
Uncontrolled spending time in front of the monitor may result in emphasizing health problems - both physical (abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, worsening posture defects or problems with eyesight caused by the emitted rays) and mental health problems. The developing nervous system, as well as the plastic, susceptible to influences, child's psyche are systematically attacked by a stream of multi-colored light and sounds from the computer screen. In addition, there is a swing of emotions resulting from experiences built in the virtual world. In addition, emotional disorders, problems with concentration, alienation from the real world and serious disturbances in the emotional bond with peers and loved ones may appear in the child. The viewed images and the content heard may trigger aggression in the child and provoke the emergence of destructive behavior.
Baby and computer: greatest threats
Early contact with a computer influences further emotional (feelings), social (relationships), intellectual (development) and physical health (ability to be active). It certainly enables children to develop independence in searching for their own means of effective computer learning. It is known that using it also carries risks. Children most often engage in games that do not necessarily bring important information into their lives. They are lured with vivid colors, sounds, quick rewards for their effort. It is very common for children to get involved in violent games. Virtual gameplay gives the illusion of controlling the world, as well as a sense of power, tempting the ease of solutions, because the enemy simply kills himself in them. Violence also exists in children's books, but the one from the virtual world has a stronger impact on the psyche. When a child spends many hours at the computer alone, he begins to transfer behavior from games to the real world. Then, he often has no control over his emotions, he becomes angry easily, and he solves the problems he encounters with the help of verbal aggression. The child lacks the ability to develop cognitive functions, manual and motor skills, and it is not possible to explore the world through touch. So you mustn't leave it alone in front of the monitor.
Expert advises
There is no convincing evidence that modern technologies improve academic performance. Instead, they lead to more superficial thinking, distracting attention from the essentials. It is worth offering children appropriate educational games and supporting them in activities that favor their development. In addition to games, many other threats await children in the computer: access to undesirable content, such as pornography or the danger of frauds or pedophiles.
When computer for children it becomes the whole world
It may happen that this unreal virtual world, which can often be shaped by a child according to his preferences and visions, becomes the only recognized reality with time. The parent and everything that makes it difficult to be in this virtual reality are enemies that must be avoided at all costs. As a result, the child slowly loses the will and ability to establish contacts with peers, build new friendships, and shape appropriate relationships with others. Real friends become unnecessary because the child finds them, delving deeper and deeper into the unreal world. In many cases, the hierarchy of values is disturbed, and then the computer takes the first place, to which almost all the child's life activities are subordinated.
Protecting the child from the computer
You should protect your child from threats from the first contact with the computer. It is important to introduce rules - limiting the time the child stays at the monitor and the correct selection of programs. If a computer is to give something positive, it should help the child acquire knowledge, teach logical thinking, associate facts, help in quick and accurate decision-making, shape perseverance and patience. With these advantages of a computer, however, keep in mind that a child needs another person for proper development. Contact with peers, proper family relationships are perfect opportunities for more valuable than virtual experiences, for deeper experiences, developing interests and seeing the beauty of the world beyond the computer.
Expert advises
A computer can play a useful role in development, but don't miss a point when your child prefers to spend time at home rather than with friends in the yard. Maybe it's not doing it out of family attachment, but to be closer to the computer? Parents must be aware that behind closed room doors, their child may more and more blend in with the virtual world, and then limiting access to the computer will be perceived as a hostile act, consisting in taking away something from him that, with the unconscious consent of the parents, has become something for the child. extremely important (the most important).
Children at the computer: the necessary rules and control
A computer is not only about doing useful, positive things, as is a knife that can be used both to cut bread and to hurt someone. A computer can be a great place for children to learn, search for knowledge, have fun, chat with friends, and rest and develop their interests. However, before a parent agrees that a child may use the computer unsupervised, they must agree on a set of rules with them that they should follow.
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