Electronics have become intertwined and entangled with entertainment. As an adult I find it hard at times to regulate my usage, so when I think of children living today I can’t imagine the struggles they may face. Now, I am in no way saying that my kids don’t enjoy their fair share of T.V., video games, or computer time. But as parents taking a closer look at some of the risk facing our kids today is vital. Electronic overload in our children’s day-to-day life can do more harm than we’re willing to admit.
When it comes to my kids watching T.V., it is very rare that they’ll be watching anything that isn’t on Netflix in the ‘kids’ category. T.V. today, including commercials, are full of adult content. And we should take noted to how women are being portrayed. I want my daughters to be proud of their bodies, but I don’t want them confusing with how they should value themselves. And for my son, I don’t want him seeing as women decorative objects or lesser citizens. I do realize that I wouldn’t be able to keep my kids from seeing these imagines. And my goal isn’t to keep them in some homemade bubble. I simply don’t want them to be subconsciously filled with values that negatively impact them.
When it comes to video games, things have sure come a long way from the days of Duck Hunt. The visual effects are amazing, but many of the storylines and content in my opinion fall short. And looking at a games ratings or reading reviews isn’t enough. Many of today’s games sound more like mature movies, or T.V. series. Violence, sex, and drugs have somehow become our children’s playground.
Ask yourself some of these questions. What does the player have to do to achieve goals/win? Regardless of its rating or reviews, are there any imagines or language that make you comfortable? If you can’t answer these questions, then I suggest you seat in the background the next time your kid(s) are playing. Even some of the most innocent looking games have some questionable moments that would surprise you. Your child’s age is a major factor when concerning if a game is appropriate, but if I can say one more thing on this matter. A mature child still shouldn’t have rated M games without parental review.
Oh, computers, the very machine I’m using to impart my personal opinions. Computers are a great tool for connecting us to the world. That fact should be as exciting to us as it should be frightening. I know I don’t need to go on listing the many things available at our children’s fingertips. We all have to navigate through it daily. And I’m sure some don’t feel comfortable looking at their children’s history. Maybe it is because they believe it’s a violation of their kid’s privacy. But this is where I strongly disagree.
If you’re worried that your child is viewing, communicating, or participating in anything that is too mature or dangerous then it’s time to ‘parent up.’ It is our job to set guidelines and expectations. If not then we must address it, and if necessary discipline accordingly. I don’t believe my children have any business on sites like Facebook, or the many other social networks. Cyber bullying is on a rise, and I think that it’s because there’s little to no unsupervised once they log on. And we can’t afford to continue being OK with this. We lock the doors to our homes every night, yet with one click of a button, we let our kids invite everyone in.
And then there is the topic of cell phones. Yes, my kids will probably be the last ones in their class, and block to get a phone. Since my kids don’t walk to or from school, nor have a job I just can’t justify them having a phone. Kids using them more like T.V., or games console. And with the freedom to browse through any number of sites, I’m left shaking my head once again. And aside from all those understandable concerns, I’m saddened by the state of our young people. Seeing groups of kids (that I can only assume are friends) seating around with their heads buried in their phones. Never once looking up, and very rarely speaking directly to each other. The beauty of each moment is slipping through their hands.
My dislike for electronics is more a dislike to the lack of monitoring going on. I don’t judge the parent who allows their toddler to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as they wait in an overcrowded doctor’s office. Nor do I judge the excited parent for providing their kids with a new gaming system on Christmas Day. I take issue with the lack of accountable on our part. Kids will test their boundaries. But as parents, we are failing them if we aren’t actively parenting. Technology isn’t the problem, hands off parenting is.