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Hunter Sutton

Ms. Stevens

English 2A

15 February 2024

Consequences of Future Parenting

Generations of kids are being raised amongst new, profound versions of technology.

These technology resources can impact a child's mind by reducing creativity and overall brain

development. The future of parenting has turned into giving kids technology to occupy them. As

a result, the children become addicted to technology as if it is the only source of consistency and

a cure for their boredom. This impacts the child mentally and psychologically as their brains

won’t develop as they should. This affects children with behavior issues, uncontrollable tempers,

and misbehavior. The impacts will result in a generation of kids that will be uncontrollable and a

whole generation of parents that won’t care and give their children anything they want. As a

result, this won’t prepare them for the real world, let alone how to behave in school, as their

entire childhood is based on entertainment. This can backfire as in school, they need the touch of

social media and tablets to cure boredom, which seems to be an addiction that develops over

time.

This is significant because it demonstrates how modern-day parenting consists primarily

of feeding children entertainment and expecting them to have a creative mind. With such

technology being developed, it becomes a distraction from the real world and feeds them

entertainment to cure boredom. Boredom is a source of creativity, and to have a developed mind,

one must let the mind wander. To develop this change, teaching current parents or even the

generation that will be parents could help prevent this problem from growing. However, just
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spreading awareness won’t influence change to something that society sees as a norm; this will

have a long-term effect; this can be implemented as a mandatory class that can teach and help

younger generations learn how to raise future generations that are soon to come—teaching kids

not to distract themselves with technology, and to let their creativity fill their minds. If we do not

teach the future of parenting, we will soon create a generation of children that won’t have any

creative mindset and will be sucked into social media and entertainment. They won’t be able to

function without directions.

When looking into what impacts technology can have on children in their early stages of

growth, it is essential to understand how the human brain develops over the years. Children are

born ready to learn and have many skills to learn over many years. They depend on parents,

family members, and other caregivers as their first teachers to develop the skills to become

independent and to have a prosperous life. This is significant because it shows us that the people

around them impact children in their early stages. Parents seem to feed their children technology

to occupy them so they don’t have to work hard to raise them. This has a massive backfire as

their child’s brain isn’t fully developed. Much research shows that the child’s “brain growth is

strongly affected by the child’s experiences with other people and the world” (CDC). This is

significant as children are significantly impacted by social media, as it’s the only source of

consistency they have, and the people around them do not acknowledge them. This form of

neglect can cause them to be attached to the technology and begin to have an addiction. It is

concerning to see how modern-day parenting has turned into giving children social media to

occupy them without considering its potential consequences on their mental growth in their early

stages. The research shows that children's brain growth is strongly affected by their experiences

with others and the world, and parents and caregivers must respond sensitively to their needs and
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build on their skills and interests. Neglecting children's needs by feeding them the technology to

cure their boredom can cause them to be attached to social media and develop an addiction,

which could impact their mental and psychological well-being. As responsible parents and

caregivers, we must be aware of the potential consequences of modern-day parenting and take

necessary steps to ensure that children's brains are protected from stress and strengthened

through language and communication. This research shows that children learn best when parents

take turns talking and playing and build on their child’s skills and interests. Taking care of a child

by understanding their needs and responding sensitively helps protect their brains from stress.

Exposing children to substitutions of technology like books, stories, and songs helps

strengthen children’s language and communication, which puts them on a path towards learning

and succeeding in school. As technology continues to advance and grow and gets cheaper,

supplying kids with devices will become the standard. Even schools that don’t provide kids with

a device for personal use still give children access to media through computer labs and devices

that are shared among students (Hicks). This is significant because if we do not teach the future

of parents, we will soon create a generation of children with no creative mindset, who will be

only influenced by technology and unable to function without directions. Research done by Yale

School of Medicine found the impacts of technology in early childhood:

“Youth who spent the most time on their digital technology were statistically more likely

to exhibit higher levels of internalizing problems two years later. Internalizing problems

include depression, anxiety, social anxiety, somatic complaints, and other concerns. This

association between frequent screen time and mental health problems was mediated by

specific changes in brain development” (Yale).

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This general research shows how important it is to understand technology's effects on children at

a young age. This is essential to understanding how children's minds are developed at a young

age and to limit technology within the household until a rightful age.

Moreover, parenting children of today’s generation brings unique challenges due to the

many recent advancements in technology. There is no denying the importance technology has in

our lives, as well as the lives of our children. Technology is virtually in every home in one way

or another. Research has found that “about 96% of Americans have a TV and 94% of children

ages 3 to 18 have internet access through a computer or smartphone. According to a national

survey done by Common Sense Media in 2019, 53% of children have a smartphone by the time

they turn 11” (CNA). This proves how parents need to be mindful of how their children use

technology and the potential effects it can have, both positive and negative. It’s important to

understand that technology isn’t the problem of children being negatively affected; it’s about

educating the parents on the importance of monitoring their children’s use of technology and not

banning the use of it altogether. It is used as a tool, not a way to cure boredom and create

entertainment. In this generation of parents, we see issues with children being occupied by

technology and not involved much in their own parents' lives (Wood). This creates a unique

connection between the child and technology; separation can lead to tantrums or misbehavior. An

addiction at such a young age can practically doom the children’s ability to function in society

later on down the road. This is why it’s essential to educate parents and a generation of future

adults about the positives and negatives of technology use at a young age. There are also many

ways in which technology can positively impact our lives and those of our children; it all

depends on how the technology is being used.

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On the other hand, technology can positively benefit organizations and planning. One

example is in families; they can keep an online calendar to make it easier to stay updated on each

other’s schedules. Group text messaging is also convenient for streamlining communication and

keeping everyone in the loop. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and children

need to be familiar with it. Introducing children to technology at a young age can help them

develop technological skills that will be valuable in future careers. Moreover, it can be fun for

the younger generations “learning how to code and program can be a fun and rewarding

experience for children that can lead to further interests in STEM fields” (Wooddell). However, it

is vital to balance the use of technology with other activities to ensure that children's brains

continue to develop appropriately. As mentioned earlier, exposing children to books, stories, and

songs can help strengthen their language and communication skills, which are crucial for success

in school and later in life. Therefore, parents and educators must balance technology and other

activities to ensure children have a well-rounded upbringing (Potenza). Technology has

revolutionized our lives and work, allowing us to accomplish more in less time and making

things that were once impossible now possible. The internet, for example, has given us access to

vast amounts of information and resources that we can use to learn and grow.

In addition, technology has allowed us to connect with people worldwide, transcending

geographic boundaries and bringing us closer together. Overall, technology has had a profound

impact on our lives and will continue to shape the way we live and work in the future. Moreover,

technology makes budgeting easier with different apps, which can help parents teach children

about money management. Another positive outlook is that research and critical thinking can

help be a resource to help children learn about different topics. This is helpful for school projects

or for researching areas of interest. This can also be a teachable moment by showing children
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how to sift through information to find reliable sources (Walmsley). Lastly, creativity and

exploring interests are other positive impacts in many ways; technology fosters creativity and

learning new skills through various apps for all ages. Children can explore different areas they

are interested in, such as learning to play an instrument, creative writing, or beginner programs

related to various subjects.

In contrast, after learning the positives of technology use, it's essential to hear the

negative impacts of the use of technology within households. Technology can negatively affect

children’s developing social skills, relationships, health, and overall ability to focus. One critical

negative point that research can back up is how technology can negatively impact children due to

poor social skills. Children might not adequately develop their social skills with the increased

use of technology. This can lead to more children being socially awkward, withdrawn, shy, or

intimidated by social situations. They might not know how to engage with other children or

adults. Developing social skills takes practice, and kids have fewer opportunities to develop

these skills if technology is often in the way (Tahnk). Another adverse effect of technology is

that children might get used to being alone and lose the desire to engage with their parents or

friends outside the internet. Often, the virtual reality of their devices is more appealing and

entertaining than the physical reality. This can lead to increased health problems; technology can

influence the child’s developing brain and problem-solving skills (Lehman). For instance, the

child might rely on a device to solve problems rather than using brain connections to work

through a problem and find a solution. There could also be a lack of exercise due to being inside,

which can cause weight gain. Kids using their devices before bedtime could reduce sleep quality,

affecting their overall well-being and immune system.

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Additionally, more dangers follow with the child’s ability to focus. Children who spend a

lot of time using devices might have a reduced attention span and ability to focus due to their

reliance on technology to pay attention to them. This is evident in classrooms, where teachers opt

for shorter lesson plans to accommodate students becoming easily distracted (Parnell). Finally,

the most essential danger to children’s use of technology at such a young age is exposure to the

risks of the internet. With so much information on the internet, it’s difficult for parents to monitor

what their children are exposed to, “violent or inappropriate material on the internet, which can

have negative impacts on their mental and emotional health.

Additionally, cyberbullying and online harassment can have devastating effects on

children’s self-esteem and confidence” (Wooddell). This is significant because parents have used

this social media to occupy children, and this can reflect their overall child development. The

idea of using technology as a tool to help regulate children to be quiet has resulted in children

having a connection to that media; it becomes an addiction at such a very young age, and it can

impact the child's overall development throughout their childhood (Tarasuik). This is why it’s

essential to consider both the positive and negative aspects of technology and how it can impact

your children.

Moving forward, internet addiction in children is a serious issue that needs attention. It

can be defined as compulsive and excessive internet use that hampers a child's daily life,

academic or social activities, and overall well-being. With the internet becoming an integral part

of children's lives, this condition is on the rise, and it is essential to take measures to help

children maintain a healthy balance between their online and offline activities. Children who are

addicted to the internet may experience negative consequences such as “easily losing track of

time, withdrawal symptoms, sleep disturbances, neglect of responsibilities, decline in academic

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performance, lying about or hiding online activities, preoccupation with the internet” (Ivanova).

Early intervention is necessary to prevent this addiction from becoming a severe problem that

affects their prospects. Parents and educators can play a crucial role in identifying and addressing

internet addiction in children by setting boundaries on screen time and encouraging outdoor

activities and social interaction. Teaching children how to use the internet responsibly and

prioritize other aspects of their lives is essential to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The

impacts of children being exposed to the need for technology can cause children to have an

addiction. Kids will soon feel more attached to a source of entertainment than the real world,

leading to a special connection to technology and an overall corrupted childhood. Adverse

effects on the child’s physical health can be caused by excessive screen time; this is often

associated with a sedentary lifestyle, leading to various health issues such as obesity, poor

posture, and disrupted sleep patterns. Research done in Thailand has “Children are particularly

vulnerable to internet addiction because their developing brains are more susceptible to the

reward mechanisms associated with online activities, such as social media, gaming, and instant

gratification from online content” (Ivanova). Children who spend too much time on devices may

be less inclined to engage in physical activities and outdoor play, which are essential for motor

skill development, muscle strength, and overall physical health.

Additionally, exposure to blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body's natural

sleep-wake cycle, leading to sleep disturbances and fatigue, further impacting a child's overall

well-being and academic performance. The solution to this is to teach the parents of this

generation how to regulate technology within their future households. Making it a class they

learn in high school can benefit society as a whole as we raise a generation that is more

unplugged from technology and can not be sucked into distractions. With no solution, letting
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technology continue to grow and significantly impact children can lead to trouble for kids with

social norms and not learning to converse with the people around them as their world revolves

around technology. Research by the National Library of Medicine shows that “Up to 75% of

young children have their own tablets, and infants are estimated to start handling mobile devices

during the first year of life” (Radesky). This research gives us a perspective on how children are

increasingly exposed to technology as the years go on. This is significant because we can see

how the harmful effects of technology can harm children mentally and physically. This

understanding of dangers can show how the more technology advances, the more critical it is to

understand its harms. Technology is a great tool, and we use it everywhere in our society;

technology itself is valuable and should be used as a tool. However, a generation of parents may

not know the dangers of using technology, and technology becoming a norm within households

can harm the minds of many children if parents aren’t educated on the dangers of technology at

young ages.

Finally, a balanced approach to technology is crucial when considering its impact on

children's development. While it's important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with

excessive screen time, it's equally important to understand that social media itself isn't inherently

harmful. Instead, it's all about finding the right balance and managing its use wisely. It is

essential to understand that we have the power to change the norms of society and regulate

households' use of technology:

“it's essential to strike a balance between screen time and real-world experiences.

Encourage your little explorers to engage in other activities like outdoor play, creative

projects, or even a dance party in the living room. By finding a healthy mix, your child

can embrace technology while also nurturing their other interests and passions” (Knight).
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This is significant because a generation of parents can encourage their kids to participate in

online and offline activities and help them grow holistically. This means making time for outdoor

play, creative hobbies, hanging out with friends, staying physically active, and using technology

for learning and entertainment. Striking this balance ensures children develop many skills, stay

healthy, and build meaningful connections. It's about being mindful of how much screen time is

healthy and ensuring it doesn't overshadow other important aspects of life. Parents, teachers, and

caregivers are crucial in showing children how to use technology responsibly and setting

reasonable limits. By finding this balance, we empower kids to enjoy the benefits of technology

while minimizing any potential negative impacts on their well-being.

In conclusion, modern parenting is heavily reliant on technology. It has led to a

generation of children increasingly attached to digital devices, resulting in detrimental effects on

their cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The negative impacts of excessive screen

time are well-documented, including reduced creativity, impaired social skills, and even

addiction. This limits children's ability to navigate the natural world and develop essential life

skills, risking their future success. As responsible parents and caregivers, it is imperative to

recognize the importance of balancing technology and other activities to promote holistic growth

and well-being. Encouraging children to engage in outdoor play, creative pursuits, and social

interactions can help cultivate a diverse skill set and resilience. Moreover, education and

awareness play a crucial role in addressing the negative impacts of technology and fostering

healthy tech habits within households. By taking proactive steps to manage screen time and

promote a balanced relationship with technology, we can ensure that our children thrive in a

digital world while developing essential life skills. As such, it is our responsibility to prioritize
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our children's well-being and future success by fostering a balanced approach to parenting in the

digital age.
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