Why should the role of technology in early childhood be so polarized?
Technology is an integral part of our everyday lives, including those of our children. However, its role in early childhood tends to be controversial in different circles. Some people (especially parents and teachers) believe that exposing children to technology at a very young age can lead to aggravated consequences. According to them, young children are likely to develop screen addiction and may also be confronted with a violation of their privacy.
On the other hand, other parents and educators believe that new technologies are beneficial for children. According to them, supporting and accompanying children in the use of technology allows them to give in to their curiosity and creativity, and develop talents and new skills that will help them easily navigate in the digital world.
While the aforementioned arguments are legitimate, it is important not to devalue or overvalue new technologies. It is also necessary to stop creating such a polarization between the advantages and disadvantages of the digital world. Rather, the adequate strategy is to strike the right balance between new technology and everyday life and to encourage a gradual introduction of the latter into the lives of parents and children. Just as we teach our children to cross the street, parents can introduce new technologies with the appropriate rules, associated benefits, and dangers.
Instead of wanting to shield our children from the world we all live in, it would be better to introduce them to the appropriate attitude and sensitivity as they grow up. If technology is understood and harnessed, it would continue to improve our lives as it has to date. It is therefore recommended to explore these new technologies as a family, to foster curiosity, creativity but also caution. This approach can thus help demystify these tools among reluctant parents, and democratize their use in a responsible manner.
Parents and educators have an important role to play in instilling curiosity about new technologies and their values to children from an early age. This will guide them in developing new skills and knowledge that will help them to position themselves as active creators in building a more sustainable and better world.
As parents and educators, it is our role to accompany and guide our children, even if we are not “digital natives”. Although we may feel overwhelmed by all the new technologies we are surrounded with every day, it is the right time now, to take an interest in them. Digital Kidz platform thus supports parents by providing them with as many tools and information as possible to promote learning for the whole family in the digital landscape.