The impact of modern or popular technology on humans has been both positive and negative, even on children. That's why, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has released some new digital resources to educate parents and provide practical advice for managing tech use in their households.
Due to the ubiquity of popular technological gadgets such as tablets, smartphones and laptops among kids and teens, the 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conference held last month in San Francisco reportedly highlighted the potential impact of technology on children's development and overall health. In fact, some findings suggested that tech use is causing more harm than good on kids.
In conjunction with the 2016 AAP conference, a forwarded email sent to Parent Herald revealed that ASHA has issued some digital resources to help parents know the effects of technology on kids, as well as manage its usage. In a YouTube video titled, "The Tech Effect: How Too Much Device Time May Be Taking a Toll on Today's Children," the national professional, scientific and credentialing association outlined four areas that may be affected when children are hooked to tech devices.
Based on the video caption, a new research and survey show four areas of concern, which are all related to communication. These are language development, attention span, school performance and hearing problems.
In addition, another video titled, "Sounding Off: Kids and Technology," was also released. The video showed what communication experts, teachers, parents and teens say about the impact of technology on today's youth.
According to communication experts, 68 percent of professionals predicted the possibility for a communication "time bomb," which could weaken speech and language skills, as well as hearing loss if current tech habits are not altered. Some educators also echoed the concerns, saying parent interaction has been neglected in favor of tech use, which lead to the finding that almost 35 percent of students are not ready for preschool due to speech problems and poor social skills.
The third digital resource that ASHA released was titled, "The Digital Diet: 5 Tips to Maintaining Healthy Balance," which could be an additional guide to Parent Herald's previous report on digital age parenting. The video offered some practical ways to reduce tech use while promoting communication and interaction.
So, do you think tech use is causing more harm than good to children? Check out the videos below for some tips to manage screen time in your household.
