I know I loved playing outside for hours each day as a child and I’m wondering if children today are missing out by looking a screens instead.

I recently read this article – http://www.somedaily.org/ipad-far-bigger-threat-children-anyone-realizes/?utm_content=bufferf34f8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer. I think that technology I’d changing at a rate that is difficult to measure. Our children will grow up using and creating things that haven’t even been dreamed of yet. I think that the way technology is being used more often than not – as a pacifier – is detrimental to our children’s physical and mental health and well being. I think that if guided to use technology as a tool to aid learning it can be very beneficial. (E.g. Using a phone to take photos and create a recount of a family outing or researching and wondering about things; not downloading an app to learn ABCs.)

I agree in moderation it’s ok but not in overuse as Cherz said. A lot of the youngsters are out of control these days with their ipads, phones. We need to engage with each other more face to face, get out in the fresh air, that goes for adults and kids.

I have found since my small grandchildren have obtained ipads they have a sense of disconnect.

I really despise all the technology kids have these days. I was forced into getting an iPad for my eldest in grade 5 and it was the worst thing the school brought in. She wants to be on it all the time and ‘sooks’ when I tell her to get off it. At time I want to take a hammer to that iPad.

Parents/carers and other adults have an important role in modelling how to best use technology and how to still communicate without technology. The key is getting technology to work for you and not let it take over your life.

yes too many kids these days dont understand how to communicate in the real world as all these “smart” devices are doing it for them

Technology is like food every thing in moderation and balance.
Computers can be a wealth of information, but if over used they can be detrimental ..research has shown some children can not hold or use a pen correctly.
Mobile phones are wonderful for keeping in touch with parents and great in emergencies, but once again can be detrimental to ones health if over used.

I guess it depends on how much you let technology to play a part in your life. At 4.5 my child hasn’t really had a lot of exposure to computer tablets or phones. When we go out its conversation and coloring books or writing.

Technology is with us and when used well and used wisely it has benefits for education and relaxation. Technology needs to be used in balance with everything else in life.

It can be educational, relaxing etc but needs to be monitored. Does not need to be used everyday either.

Like everything it has its place but if it’s not educational or a family movie night (or because mummy needs a sleep in) then my wee ones don’t get telly, ipods or tablets. It has made a big difference to her attention span.

No there was none when I was growing up either. I would play outside all day but had to be in when the sun went down.

I think there is plenty of research to say that technology needs to be moderated since it can have so many adverse effects – from bullying on social media, to changing the way the brain works. SO hard to imagine what it would be like growing up these days.. not a computer around when I was young!