Indeed technology has transformed the lifestyle of our youth today. Possessing the top-of-the-line gadgets fever is so endemic in our society. It is like gold rush. Even small children have cell phones and electronic gadgets nowadays. It is the latest craze. Teens feel like they are fishes out of water without these gadgets.
Today’s new breeds are called “Children of the Google World” or “Fast-Paced Generation.” They want anything fast: fast results, fast relationships, fast cars, fast foods, faster computers—anything that performs fast. As to what I have observed, our teens today have been enslaved by these high-end gadgets that when these little gods demand their attention, sleep is disturbed, dinner time and quality time that should be spent with the family are also affected. Even church or worship time is desecrated. Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t discredit these things. My point here is their appropriate use and I am trying to define some boundaries. These gadgets have advantages and disadvantages, too. According to the National Institute on Media and the Family, gadgets like cell phones and computers can help children practice following directions and problem solving, and refine motor and spatial skills. Negative effects include social isolation, aggressive behavior, violence, confusing reality and fantasy, and poor grades. Addiction to these gadgets can lead to obesity. New York Times article says, the average kid, age 8-18, spends over almost 8 hours a day using technology gadgets. Also, according to a Stanford University of Medicine study, elementary students consume 20% their calorie intake while watching TV or playing with their gadgets which usually includes unhealthy snacks. Coincidentally, children are not burning off any of these calories while they are plopped in front of the television or busy playing with their gadgets. Signs of possible psychological addiction to these gadgets used among youth can include restlessness and irritability when not playing a game on these gadgets and the worst is choosing the gadgets over family. These things are so alarming. Teachers and parents should work hand-in-hand to prevent these things to happen. Parents should always supervise their kids at home. They should have quality time viewing television and dining together for lunch or dinner. Parents should also set aside hours for study and playing gadgets. Give them conditions, like doing their assignments first or household chores before they can use their gadgets. Teachers should conduct reading and writing sessions outside the regular class schedule to enhance academic performance of the students. Teachers should also prohibit the students to bring their gadgets inside the room. Impose strict rules about it.
We should remember that gadgets are good tools if we use them to our advantage, but it would be the worst if it is used to our disadvantage.
By: Teresita M. Lopez | Teacher I | Limay Elementary School | Limay, Bataan
