What Impact Does Entertainment Technology Have on Child Behavior?

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INTRODUCTION It is widely believed by many that the ever-increasing proliferation of technology within entertainment has had detrimental effects on those children exposed to them, with many youngsters forgoing the more traditional pursuits in favour of digital interaction with online acquaintances or artificial intelligence. Entertainment now contains a wide variety of technologies including television (standard or interactive), music, computers, games consoles, toys and the internet, to name but a few. The aim of this study is to identify whether these technologies have an impact on the behaviour of children in either a negative or positive aspect. Many experts within the child development field accord to the view that long periods spent in front of a computer or television will inhibit a child’s social development, thereby creating difficulties when the subject attempts to interact with others as well as being detrimental to their overall physical fitness. In addition, some believe that violent television programs, computer or electronic games will encourage aggressive behaviour in children. EDUCATION Computers have long been seen as a tool for education within academic settings, as well as in the home itself. Computer literacy has enabled a large number of interactive programs that ‘teach’ a number of subjects such as typing, mathematics, sciences, etc. This has increased over the years with more and more products being aimed at the younger child. Some of these tools encourage repetition, an age-old technique for teaching the young, whilst some utilise or develop the spatial coordination of a young child. ADHD sufferers have been seen to produce positive results with technology and computer games are seen as a good meth... ... middle of paper ... ...owever a slightly more common phenomenon is that of ‘cyber bullying’. With mobile phones carried by many under-18s these days, it has opened up another avenue for those wishing to victimise others. Furthermore, internet-capable phones have meant that victims can, in some cases, be bombarded by malicious messages delivered by different mediums and delivered directly into their hands. This constant harassing has led to introversion of individuals and, in extreme cases, the victims taking their own lives. Works Cited Understanding ADHD, Dr Christopher Green (and Dr Kit Chee) 1997, The Incredible Years, Webster-Stratton, 2007 Positive Effects of Entertainment Technology on Human Behaviour, 2004 The technologisation of childhood? Young children and technology in the home, Plowman, L, McPake, J & Stephen, C (2010) www.columbinegame.com/statement.htm accessed 04/03/12

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