CHILDREN WITH MOBILES – THE GOOD AND THE BAD

The world and its vivid colors have always attracted the human eye.

Mobiles have not only connected but also shrunk our worlds.  It is impossible to think of our lives without mobiles.  It is more convenient and entertaining to handle mobile phones, for a moment’s distraction from what so ever depressing.  Children are more attracted and find their way to navigate through these mobiles easily.  They are born understanding the change in technology.  Can this be wired into their genetics?

Why are children attracted to mobile phones?

Let us list factors which enables them to feel at ease with mobiles

·         Range of media – Audio and Video

·         Range of colors – Visually appealing

·         Dynamic settings – Curiosity

·         Kindle thought - Challenging

·         Ease of use – Touch screen

Mobile intrigues a child.  The hyperactive brain is sensitive to such fascination, that it clings on to it.   A book may provide a challenge for a few days may be until all the pages are browsed.  But, a mobile will challenge and change every minute and with the plethora of apps available, it makes them more curious.  Gaming environments also create challenges that are quite entertaining for an already inquisitive brain.

The Good: 

The ease of connecting with caretakers considered.  Mobiles work out innocent brains in the frontiers of vocabulary and visual enhancements.  The vivid movements observed in such mobiles require a lot of concentration and observation.  Technically they provide a large scope for understanding environments better.  Games involves flowers, fruits, stations, forts, forests etc., which train them in directions, course of nature and sensitivity in real life. 

The Bad:  

Apart from the concern of damaging their eyes.  Mobiles make children ‘loners’.  They seem to bury themselves in a virtual world.  In today’s world where focus is shifting towards developing social relationships and empathy, mobiles put large brake towards its development.  The large increase in cyber-crime, is also not a respite, needs to be considered while allowing children to browse through the immense internet.  Violence and ghastly images can disturb tender brains. Hurting is painful and it does not provide a visual recognition.  Mobiles are addicting and thus a cause for concern.

The Balance: 

Anorexia and Obesity are two sides of the same coin.  Mobiles have their own advantages and disadvantages.  However, it is the balance that we provide will help children to be their slave or their master.  If you are thinking of stopping them from using mobiles, that is still dangerous as you are not providing them with a scope of exposure to the rapidly growing technology.  Then how to balance this phenomenon.

• Schedule and limit the time for browsing through an independent child account. 
• Strict monitoring of child related websites prior to providing permission. 
• Awareness among its caretakers on various cyber nitty-gritties
• Listen and observe activities among individuals and their group behaviour
• Discussions on major incidents or happenings around the world – allow children to come forward with their perspective.
• Family and School outing
• Team sports

When handled with care and caution, the mobiles and the world become a more congenial atmosphere.  

‘21st Century Learning  produces a sustainable citizen for a sustainable world’.