How Should Children Use Technologies?
Today, there is no doubt that technology is part of our lives. It is a fact that our societies are increasingly technological. This is reflected in our lifestyle and our daily lives. Thus, a series of questions and concerns arise regarding how children should use technologies, how they can affect their health, etc.
Improper use of technologies can generate, both in children and adults, physical and cognitive health problems. For example, excessive time in front of the screen can cause headaches and backaches and dry eyes, while generating anxiety.
However, given that children are in a highly digitized world, we cannot separate them from contact and the use of technologies. Furthermore, we as adults must keep in mind that, in the future, children will need technologies for virtually every area of their lives.
So the key lies in teaching children how to use technologies responsibly and healthily. Okay, so how should kids use technologies?
Tips on how children should use technologies
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Negotiate and agree on limits on the use of technology
Even though it is the adult who will decide unilaterally, when we are talking about very young children, it is very effective to reach a joint agreement on the use of technologies as the child grows.
For example, some of the issues to be addressed in negotiating boundaries might be time spent in front of the screen or the type of content children consume.
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Establish timetables without technologies
It is essential to dedicate daily family time free from screens and devices. Set a time, if necessary, in which all family members commit to spending a specific time of the day with the family, without technological distractions.
In addition, routine face-to-face relationships greatly favor the consolidation of quality family relationships.
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Use of the 20-20-20 rule
The American Optometry Association warns that children can experience many of the same computer-related symptoms that adults experience, as they also use technology devices on a daily basis. One example is Computer Vision Syndrome, which encompasses a series of vision problems.
One way to deal with these types of syndromes that affect eyesight is to use the so-called 20-20-20 rule. This rule is to take the view away from the screen of the device we are using every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, focusing on any other point 20 feet away, ie approximately 6 meters.
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parental control
Children who have unlimited internet access can access all kinds of content. In these cases, parental control can be a great ally, as it helps us to protect the little ones from having contact with risky and unhealthy content.
Being a good role model is critical to knowing how children should use technologies
Cell phones and tablets , among other devices, are certainly very attractive to children and teenagers, as well as adults. Often, we are the ones who are constantly checking our cell phones or, for example, who spend a great deal of time on the computer or tablets .
That said, if we want children to make good use of electronic devices, we must first change our own behavior. In other words: we must learn to use technologies in a responsible and healthy way and, thus, we will be a good model to be followed for younger people.
