We are now living in a rapidly changing world. What do you think ever happened to kids having time to run and play and just have fun?
Some international studies have suggested that the nation’s children have a lower quality of life than the children from previous generations. Others say that this is because play time is decreasing, and the reduction of old- fashioned activities (e.g., running and playing around outside) in favour of time spent in front of a computer screen. Almost all children of the new century have access to a home computer linked to the internet.
Some children even spend more time watching televisions or a video on a computer on a weekday than playing with other kids. Aside from computers, mobile phones are also widely used by children. Many children have their own gadgets at an early age which they can also use to access the internet aside from using it for emergencies. Children of the new century are also more likely to have a television in their own bedroom which they tend to focus on rather than studying or doing their homework.
Somehow, we can still say that in this 21st century, children are safer and better protected in many ways than the children from previous generations as these new technologies also help parents to monitor their children’s location and well- being constantly. In cases where problems arise, help is just a phone call away. However, at the same time that these new technologies help parents stay connected to their children, they also create new risks (e.g., cyber- bullying) that can follow children from schools into their homes. There are reported signs that the modern world has created new stresses for the children that go beyond technology.
Whatever happened to kids having time to run around and just have fun? Most say that they are now spending their time in front of the computer screens and televisions, forgetting about what fun and growth development physical activities can provide. This makes it more urgent for schools to serve as safe places for learning, and for teachers to be in front line of monitoring and ensuring their students’ well- being.
These technologies may give a lot of risks to these 21st-century children, but if these are used properly and appropriately, it will help them become productive citizens of the society. These children only need help for them to participate safely, intelligently, productively and responsibly in the digital world. They will need to learn to survive in an increasingly, competitive global landscape and at the same time be able to collaborate with others to all over the world. After all, children in the 21st century are more likely to be children with more toys, but with fewer opportunities to interact with siblings and other people.
By: MARY GRACE E. BALLESTEROS