The ways that children are able to develop are constantly changing due to the developments in the world around us. One of the biggest changes from the past would be the growth of technology and digital media. Nowadays, children are growing up with constant access to social media, iPhones, and the internet. This has been shown to significantly alter how children communicate, learn, and spend their time. There are some benefits to the rise in technology such as, learning through educational sites and apps and easier access to any information that may be needed. However, there are also negative impacts of technology including, overuse and decreased face to face interactions. This is causing noticeable issues in developing children. They may experience reduced attention spans and chase or focus on receiving instant gratification and entertainment. This can also negatively impact emotional regulation and patience within the child. Parents can help guide and limit screen time usage to avoid some of these impacts. By finding a balance between technology and the real world, children can become more involved and gain healthier habits.
Another noticeable difference in today’s world and how children are able to develop is social change. This can come in the forms of different family roles, structures, cultures, and environments. Children today are exposed to much more diverse social norms, dynamics, and perspectives as they were in the past. There are some positives to this including how quick children are now able to adapt, accept, and understand the world around them. However, there are also negative impacts such as added pressure to adapt and navigate, and also pressure in identity and finding yourself. These changes can also impact academic success by applying increased social pressure and demands from both online and in person peers and environments. This has had a negative effect on mental health in recent times. Children have shown more signs of anxiety and stress, along with having a hard time coping or finding healthy coping strategies. Parents are some of the only people who can help and guide children in the right direction. Making sure to practice open communication and provide emotional support when needed can help children overcome or steer away from these challenges.
Looking at all of the changes in the world today, it is certain that the way children are able to grow up and develop has changed significantly since past years. Technology and social change both have altered and impacted children in many ways. When looking at technology, it has had more affects on daily life and behaviors such as attention spans and how children interact. On the other hand, social change has impacted more over time behaviors like values, emotional wellness, and identity. This is important for parents to be aware of in order for them to help their child develop in the most successful and positive ways as possible. Being actively involved is one of the most effective ways to do this. A parent can guide their child’s use of technology in a way that can help them navigate and adapt on their own later in life. Recognizing that it is not realistic to fully avoid these influence and instead they can be balanced and guided is necessary for relationships and development. Teaching emotional awareness, critical thinking, and balance can lead the child in the correct direction to grow independence and thrive later on.
Life of Lila 