General Chat

True.

Why do they even bother to be a family?

The problem is that the adults usually have their phones in front of them as well. I sometimes wonder why these families bother to go out together if they don't want to talk to each other.

Because their children are accessories. Just like the tablets.

Overuse of anything is damaging. The trouble is screens have become baby sitters for parents who can't be bothered to engage with their children. I hate seeing toddlers with their noses in tablets when we're in restaurants etc. Why don't they just talk to their children?

Reading the DM yesterday, as I do because I am what Rollo describes as 'an old dear'. I found two articles quite concerning.

The first article was written by Sue Palmer who ten years ago predicted the toxic effects of social media in her book Toxic Childhood. Her article yesterday was titled Why the IPad is a far bigger threat to our children than anyone realises. I am not going to quote chunks from the article as it is available to anyone to find on line. However, it made me realise how many times I have seen young children, toddlers and even babies being kept occupied by having an ipad thrust in front of them. I do know my Great Grandson uses his Mum's IPad, but I am pretty sure she rations his use.

One paragraph that did catch my eye was that 'if the neural pathways that control social and imaginative responses aren't developed in early childhood, it is difficult to revive them later. A whole generation could grow up without the mental ability to create their own fun, devise their own games and enjoy real friendships - all because of endless screen time........ real play develops intitiative, problem solvingskills and many other positive traits such as a can-do attitude, perseverance and emotional resilience, plus social skills.'

I am pretty certain that we on here are mostly informed about this. But isn't it worrying that something that has done so much good. i.e. the advance of technology, should have the potential to damage today's young children's lives. The article concludes by saying that if the next generation is to grow up bright, balanced and healthy enough to use technology wisely parents need to take action. And that means limiting screen time as well as spending time together as a family.



The second article I will put on a separate thread.