How to Teach Kids Self-Regulation of Technology
From the moment a child wakes up to when they go to bed, technology is integrated throughout their day. Through cell phones, learning at school with tablets, doing homework on a computer, and relaxing in front of a TV, children spend an average of six and a half hours per day looking at screens.
When used appropriately, technology is a great way for children to learn skills and to study the world around them. This can be seen in the integration of digital learning tools in classrooms.
One study by the U.S Department of Education found that technology in classrooms has accelerated student learning while increasing engagement and a child’s motivation to learn. Technology and social media also encourage communication and enhanced relationships among children.
What are the limits of technology’s positive impact on kids?
While technology can be beneficial to children, it has its limitations. One study in the American Academy of Pediatrics states the positive effects of technology and its limitations for children today.
“Although interactive media are well suited to teach concrete knowledge (so-called skills and drills), other important preacademic skills such as self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and problem-solving are primarily learned through children exploring the natural environment, interacting with peers and caregivers, and playing in unstructured, creative ways. ”
As children spend more time in front of screens and less time in other creative outlets, they fail to develop important skills necessary to live whole and successful lives.
What negative impacts do kids expereince using technology too often?
What happens when a child has too much technology in their lives? Overuse and misuse of technology can be detrimental to a child’s overall development. Some results of this are:
1. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has become the new way children harass or embarrass their peers. Youth who experience a form of cyberbullying have higher rates of behavioral issues and emotional distress at school.
2. Depression and Anxiety
Research suggests there is a link between exposure to digital media and depressive symptoms. Increased social media use also causes children to have diminished self esteem and anxiety over losing their connectivity.
3. Early Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Not all technology and social media sites are healthy environments for children. The more children are exposed to technology and social media, the higher the likelihood of early exposure to inappropriate content.
The Benefits of Teaching Self-Regulation
Research suggests that limited use of technology is beneficial for children while too much can have a negative impact. To achieve this balance, children must develop internal mechanisms of self regulation. Self regulation is the ability to manage your own behaviors and emotions. Teaching children internal mechanisms of self regulation will allow them to determine healthy limits of technology and social media.
This can be done by teaching children to be mindful through meditation. Mindfulness is the act of being focused and aware of your feelings in the moment. Practicing mindful meditation without screens reduces anxiety and depression and improves children’s health and cognitive function, allowing children to determine how they feel and what is causing them to feel that way.
How Can Good Luck Yogi help teach self-regulation?
Good Luck Yogi (GLY) is an innovative way to teach your child the power of being mindful without the use of any screens. Through interacting with GLY, your child will learn to use mindful meditation as a way to develop self regulation, which will help them find a balance of healthy technology consumption.
5 Ways to Teach Kids Healthy Technology Habits
Be a role model by using GLY to relax before bed without using screens
Instead of watching TV before school, invite your child to activate their superpowers by doing meditation.
Limit your child’s time with media and technology by spending quality time together.
Before doing homework, encourage your children to meditate with GLY to be calm, focused, and ready to study.
Encourage your child to find other forms of entertainment, such as playing outside, doing arts and crafts, or reading.
Works Cited
Hoge, Elizabeth, et al. “Digital Media, Anxiety, and Depression in Children.” Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 Nov. 2017, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/140/Supplement_2/S76.abstract.
O'Keeffe, Gwenn Schurgin, et al. “The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families.” Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 Apr. 2011, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/4/800.short.
Shah, Jay, et al. “New Age Technology and Social Media.” Current Opinion in Pediatrics, vol. 31, no. 1, Feb. 2019, pp. 148–156., doi:10.1097/mop.0000000000000714.
