Gadgets are electronic devices that can be used for various purposes, such as communicating, accessing the internet, playing games, and so on. Gadgets are very beneficial for human life, but not for children from an early age. Why is that?
Reasons why it is not wise to introduce gadgets to young children
Gadgets are electronic devices that have various functions and uses, such as communication, entertainment, information, and so on. However, gadgets also have a negative impact, especially for children who are still developing. Here are some reasons why it is not wise to introduce gadgets to children from an early age:
Disrupts children's physical and mental health
Gadgets emit electromagnetic radiation which can damage body cells and cause diseases such as cancer, tumors and eye disorders. This radiation can penetrate the skin, brain and other vital organs, so it can trigger genetic mutations and DNA damage. Apart from that, gadgets can also make children addicted and lose interest in other more useful activities, such as studying, playing or socializing. Children who use gadgets too often tend to experience stress, depression, insomnia, obesity, and behavioral disorders such as aggression, impulsivity, or antisocial.
Inhibits children's cognitive and social development
Gadgets present too much information too quickly, so children cannot process it well and develop critical, creative and analytical thinking skills. Children who are used to receiving information without sorting it will have difficulty solving problems, making decisions and innovating. Gadgets can also affect children's language and communication, because children interact more often with screens than with humans. Children who lack communication with other people will have difficulty expressing themselves, understanding emotions, and empathizing. Children will also lose social skills such as cooperation, tolerance and respect.
Influence children's values and morals
Gadgets provide easy and unlimited access to content that is not appropriate for children's age and norms, such as violence, pornography, gambling and drugs. Children who are exposed to this content can be negatively influenced and imitate bad behavior. Children can also become victims or perpetrators of cyberbullying, cybercrime, or cybersex. Gadgets can also make children respect their parents, teachers and friends less, because they feel smarter and more independent. Children will also lose their sense of responsibility, discipline and ethics.
Other Alternatives for Children Apart from Giving Gadgets
One of the challenges faced by parents in the digital era is how to regulate children's use of gadgets. Therefore, parents need to look for other, more positive and educational alternatives for their children besides giving them gadgets. Some alternatives that parents can try are:
Invite children to play together
Playing together can increase the emotional bond between parents and children, as well as develop children's creativity, socialization and motor skills. Parents can choose games that suit their child's age and interests, such as puzzles, Lego, dolls, balloons, balls, kites, bicycles, etc. For example, parents can invite children to play puzzles that train children's logical and spatial abilities. Or, parents can invite their children to play kites in the park, which trains children's physical abilities and cooperation.
Read or give interesting and educational books
Reading books can help children enrich their vocabulary, knowledge, imagination and concentration. Parents can choose books that suit their child's age and interests, such as fairy tales, fables, folk tales, encyclopedias, comics, etc. For example, parents can read fairy tales that contain moral messages and positive values for their children. Or, parents can give an encyclopedia that contains scientific and interesting information for children.
Invite children to do useful activities with their family or friends
These activities can be hobbies, sports, art, or volunteering. This activity can help children develop talents, interests, health, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. Parents can choose activities that suit their child's age and interests, such as drawing, singing, dancing, gardening, cooking, swimming, camping, etc. For example, parents can invite their children to draw something they like or take part in a drawing competition at their school. Or, parents can take their children to swim in the pool or beach which is good for the child's heart and lung health.
Give praise and gifts
This can motivate children to be more enthusiastic about learning and doing activities without depending on gadgets. Parents can give specific and honest praise to their children, such as "You were great at completing that puzzle", "I'm proud you got good grades at school", etc. Parents can also give gifts or incentives that are appropriate to their child's age and interests, such as new toys, their favorite candy, permission to watch their favorite movie, etc. For example, parents can give their child a new toy they like if they succeed in not using gadgets for a full day. Or, parents can give permission to watch his favorite film if he manages to get good grades at school.
Steps to Overcome If Your Child Doesn't Like Other Alternatives
One of the problems that parents often face today is when children don't like alternatives to gadgets. Therefore, parents need to find ways to encourage their children to try other activities that are healthier and more beneficial.
There are several steps parents can take to overcome this problem, including:
Be a role model for children
Parents should show that they can also live without gadgets and enjoy other activities, such as reading books, exercising or gardening. Children tend to imitate their parents' behavior, so if parents often use gadgets, children will follow.
Provide time limits for using gadgets
Parents can make rules about when and how long children can use gadgets, for example only after doing homework or a maximum of one hour a day. Parents must also be consistent in implementing these rules and provide sanctions if children violate them.
Provides other interesting activity options
Parents can offer several alternative activities that suit their children's interests and talents, such as drawing, playing music, or making handicrafts. Parents can also invite their children to do activities together, such as playing board games, visiting a museum, or having a picnic in the park. This will make children feel closer to their parents and more interested in trying new things.
Therefore, it is not wise to introduce gadgets to children from an early age. Gadgets can have a negative impact that far outweighs the benefits for children. Parents must be wise in giving gadgets to their children, by limiting the time, type and supervision of their use. By implementing the alternatives above, parents can provide more positive and educational stimulation to their children compared to providing gadgets. Children can grow into a generation that is intelligent, creative, healthy and happy.
