Technology's Negative Effects On The Development Of Young Children

Growing up in the twenty-first century is monumentally different than past generations; young children now have access to complex technology in their everyday lives. Handing a young child a smartphone or tablet can satisfy them for hours, placing them into a technology-induced trance. Smartphone and tablet apps have been created, specifically targeting young children with the purpose of appeasing them. Especially for busy parents, allowing their young children to use smart devices makes dealing with their erratic behavior less of a hassle. In addition, many of the apps made for young children also serve with educational intents, increasing the incentive for parents, daycare providers and preschools to allow young children to have more ‘screen time’ with smart devices. However, with rapid expansion of technology

aimed for children, researchers are quickly noticing consequences on the development of young children.

Although technology has been proven to convenient and useful for early childhood education, the impact of technology overall, negatively affects the malleable minds of young children. Technology has been shown to disrupt certain brain growth, subliminally ingrain media messages and cause various health problems down the line for young children.
The use of technology by young children has been shown to correlate to the disruption of normal brain growth. Typically in the past, young children had plenty of time to play, challenging their imaginations and problem solving skills, which is crucial for their transformation to members of society. Presently, much of that time dedicated to play is now being allocated to ‘screen time’ with technology. According to the Huffington Post, “analysis of the impact of technology on the developing child

indicates that…the visual and auditory sensory systems are in ‘overload’. This sensory imbalance creates huge problems in overall neurological development, as the brain’s anatomy, chemistry and pathways become permanently altered” (Rowan). Technology is stimulating children in ways that harm their mind rather improve it. The act of allowing young children to use technology should be taken seriously and be used sparingly, considering the concerns about the impact on brain development. Technology creates an environment for young children in which “consistent attention is impossible, imagination is unnecessary and memory is inhibited” (Taylor). Granted, many of these smart devices claim to serve some educational purpose for young children; however, a stagnant mind is encouraged through the technology. Children are being pushed through scenarios instead of creating their own. Apps “promotes instant feedback”, moving a child through a “program rather than being at the center of what happens” (Hanes). Young children nowadays are being forced through a set mold, not be allowed them to think for themselves and advance into independent, creative thinkers. Technology is being thrust upon young children at a crucial age, where irreversible impressions can be created.