Perhaps my family’s stance on technology is stricter than most. But as we seek to create a more organic, natural family, I am carefully considering the use of technology for children. All the screen time people consume can’t be considered “organic.” Can it?
It used to be, limiting television in-house was sufficient. But there’s a troubling new trend:
Have you noticed how many restaurants and stores have television screens? I’m not talking sports bars. I mean, pizza places, kid’s shops, book stores, Wal-mart (outside the media department), J. C. Penny… the list goes on.
Research from medical outlets such as the Mayo Clinic states too much screen time is harmful to children: psychological difficulties, obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral problems, violence, and poor academic performance among some of the negative side affects. The AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) recommends no TV for children under two, and less than 2 hours per day of non-violent, educational programs for children 2 and older.
Since text messaging and cellphone usage can be put into the category of “screen time,” with smart phones on the market, it’s safe to say most kids are going over this daily “screen time budget.”
Many parents, like my husband and myself, have made personal lifestyle choices to limit or eliminate TV and computer time for our kids.
Yet, we’re finding this hard to live out in a world where you cannot escape the screen. From the dentist to the doctor’s, to the library even, I am confronted by screens playing commercials, shows, music videos. Of course, my 16-month-old can’t help but staring at the bright colors and moving lights.
Perhaps you’re thinking, “What’s the harm? It’s in the background.” Yet studies show even background television affects children negatively, with links to delayed speech, lower quality interactions between parents and children, and less responsive parents (which, I think most would agree, could prove harmful for a child!).
Or maybe you’re thinking, “It’s only for few minutes” while passing through a store, etc. Yet, in those few minutes, something might come on the screen I don’t want my child seeing. You can’t control what stores and restaurants show on-screen.
Even adults can’t resist staring vacantly past you during a conversation, to watch a sports replay, check out the cute koala bear, or, hang-on-I-just-have-to-answer-this-text. It’s not their fault the screen was placed right behind your head (although we could turn off our cell phones during extended conversations!). I find these kinds of interrupted conversations frustrating, and disrespectful of my time.
Even if the content is not questionable, what about the human connection? It’s hard to follow medical advice to “not eat in front of the television” when the restaurants make that impossible. I want to go out to dinner to enjoy the food and the company. Not to sit at a semi-comatose table while everyone checks their Blackberrys, catches the latest news, or plays Angry Birds. I want my child to observe and engage in stimulating conversations, appreciate food, learn to speak engage politely with others.
Restaurants and stores take note. Not all patrons are fans of screens in public venues. Perhaps some will re-evaluate and remove the screens. Especially those establishments that cater to families and children.
Are you noticing more intrusive technology in day-to-day life? How has it impacted you? What would you do about it?
Liz
Tuesday 28th of June 2011
I admit I let my 19 month old watch way too much TV! Thankfully its DVDs that are "teaching" or at least suppose to be teaching him stuff. I find it more than annoying that there are TVs in stores and restaurants! We were in Walmart and theres a tv hanging like every 20 feet or so yelling something a you. Plus think of all the energy wasted on all the unnecessary tvs turned on. I sure hope us as moms can get stores to turn of all the Tvs in the near future! We dont have a cell phone so I have no clue what Angry Birds are but I am sure its annoying! Sadly we do need one for stuff but I will turn it off and only use it for emergencies. A friend asked me if I wanted to go look at DVD players and screens for our car. My first thought was are you kidding me! My son will play the license plate game, the "were going on a picnic" game, and the other cool car games I grew up playing even if he doesnt want to lol.
Liz
Tuesday 28th of June 2011
I admit I let my 19 month old watch way too much TV! Thankfully its DVDs that are "teaching" or at least suppose to be teaching him stuff. I find it more than annoying that there are TVs in stores and restaurants! We were in Walmart and theres a tv hanging like every 20 feet or so yelling something a you. Plus think of all the energy wasted on all the unnecessary tvs turned on. I sure hope us as moms can get stores to turn of all the Tvs in the near future! We dont have a cell phone so I have no clue what Angry Birds are but I am sure its annoying! Sadly we do need one for stuff but I will turn it off and only use it for emergencies. A friend asked me if I wanted to go look at DVD players and screens for our car. My first thought was are you kidding me! My son will play the license plate game, the "were going on a picnic" game, and the other cool car games I grew up playing even if he doesnt want to lol.
Susan Bryant
Monday 27th of June 2011
I do NOT like the tv's in the restaurants at all! It bugs me when I am trying to hold a conversation & the other person is watching the sports or whatever may be on! Our dentist has a tv in each patient room that you can switch to any tv program you want to watch while having your work done! With 2 teens in public school, they are more subjected to computers, tv programs, etc. At our school, they have computers in the kindergarten classes! As a Mom of a 13 year old & 17 year old that have grown up with the tv, computers, cell phones, video games, etc.....I can say that it has not affected their education in the least bit...they are both honor roll students & my 17 year old has a 4.0 GPA!
Susan Bryant
Monday 27th of June 2011
I do NOT like the tv's in the restaurants at all! It bugs me when I am trying to hold a conversation & the other person is watching the sports or whatever may be on! Our dentist has a tv in each patient room that you can switch to any tv program you want to watch while having your work done! With 2 teens in public school, they are more subjected to computers, tv programs, etc. At our school, they have computers in the kindergarten classes! As a Mom of a 13 year old & 17 year old that have grown up with the tv, computers, cell phones, video games, etc.....I can say that it has not affected their education in the least bit...they are both honor roll students & my 17 year old has a 4.0 GPA!
WeeMason's Mom
Monday 27th of June 2011
I really hate how many restaurants now have TVs. I can eat in front of the TV at home - if I go out to eat, I'm there to enjoy the company of my friend/husband, not to fight for their attention over whatever is playing on America's Dumbest Criminals.