It is the digital age, and many people know how to operate various devices including smart ones. With kids being no exception, as they happen to grab material faster than adults, they easily learn and master the operation of smart devices. This knowledge is a good thing as we live in a digital world, which advances technologically everyday, therefore, it is beneficial for the present and coming generations to be aware and up to date with new tech.
Our digital advancements have brought forth the manufacture of smart phones in large quantities and different qualities. There are smart phones made to suit different the classes of society as such almost everyone can own a smart phone as some cost about 25,000CFA (which is $39.23 as of today), which is a moderate, and affordable amount. This easy accessibility has made smart phones available to children also, as some parents can afford them for their children.
Alas everything has two sides, a good one and a bad one and the case of smart phones is no different. It’s been quite a debate ever since smart phones became popularly used by children, if the usage is good or detrimental to children. And more often than not, the majority of parents, guardians, concerned adults insist the latter is unfortunately true.
The Pros of Smart Phones in the hands of children would include:
-A smart phone is a miniature computer in one’s palms. With this one can surf the Web to learn, discover, and build knowledge. Children can learn more about the subjects they take in school, read extensively on topics taught in class to better the knowledge they had. They can also discover new areas of interest via the Internet, which would in turn build their knowledge.
– Phones are an effective communication tool. Children can get in touch with their parents or guardians when they are away from home to inform about their whereabouts, schedules. This responsibility and accountability are all fervent aspects of independence which needs to be imbued in children from a young age so they are better prepared while growing up.
It could also serve as a lifeline if children are in danger.
– It is a tool which builds independence in children. With a smart phone, a child could learn via the Web with little to no help from a parent or an older sibling. This fosters independence as children learn to study on their own.
– Social Interaction Factor. Believe it or not, the Internet does boost sociability to an extent. With the presence and usage of social media sites people are able to connect with others in different towns, cities, regions, states, countries, and even continents thus fostering the goal of making the world a global village. As well as spreading culture, and language which help broaden the scope of users, children inclusive.
– Technological savviness. Children are quick to learn, that is absorb and understand material made available to them, and tech is not an exception. Many children do manipulate smart phones better than some adults as a result of early exposure to them, and curiosity. In a quest to know more about a device, children tend to be experimental, trying to figure out the functions and abilities by actually working on the device.
It is quite obvious Smart Phones pose as a blessing to the world, the afore mentioned points showcase that. But there lies a cloud over this blessing which needs to be properly examined to determine if indeed our palm sized robots are indeed a blessing or a burden which might just weigh too much on humanity.
Stay connected with Crystal Beauty Show to get the next part of The Digital Age 1, the Cons of Smart phones in the hands of children, and our take on the whole “blessing” or “curse” debate.
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