Bukola Kuteyi
The current generation, often referred to as Gen Z, grapples with academic hurdles and moral dilemmas due to their heavy reliance on digital devices like phones, laptops, and iPads for entertainment and social connection.
Highlighted in a Hindustan Times article, research illuminates the troubling impact of early exposure to digital gadgets on children’s academic performance.
Prolonged screen time, averaging two hours daily, contributes to emotional, social, and attention-related issues among children. This dependence on devices with auto-correct features also impairs their writing and spelling abilities.
Additionally, excessive screen time leads to a deficit in social skills, as children isolate themselves with devices, hindering peer interaction and relationship building.
This isolation can lead to depression and, in severe cases, even death. Encouraging friendship and social connections provides avenues for support and problem-solving.
Psychologically, by age five, a child’s brain is nearly 90% developed, setting the stage for future learning and growth.
Exposure to incorrect or misleading information during this critical period can have lasting consequences, emphasizing the need to monitor and regulate children’s digital consumption.
Parents must be proactive in guiding their children’s development, starting from an early age.
Promoting patience and perseverance through hands-on activities is crucial for children’s holistic development.
Failure should be seen as a stepping stone to success, with children supported to learn from their mistakes.
Recent research shows that 80% of children have access to digital devices, fostering a culture that devalues education and promotes examination malpractice. Instead of flaunting wealth, resources should be directed towards supporting educational initiatives for all children.
This trend has fueled an increase in exam cheating, undermining the integrity of assessments and educational institutions. Documentaries like Project Nightfall shed light on the negative effects of digital dependency on children’s academic, moral, and social development, urging action.
Parents, adults, educators, and society at large must work together to mitigate these risks and foster critical thinking, innovation, and resilience in children. This involves monitoring digital exposure, preventing cyber crimes, and promoting a balanced approach to technology use.
Collectively addressing these challenges will pave the way for a brighter future, free from the constraints of digital dependency, and empower the next generation to thrive in an ever-changing world.
