The real argument for why children with smart phones are just plain stupid
Kids with their own smart technology usually divides us into 2 camps:
1: Those, usually with kids, that say it’s the 21st Century and we’re giving them the head start to being the CEOs they were born to be.
2: Those, usually without kids, that say it’s divested the youth of social graces and imagination.
I am of the latter contingency. And it’s not just because they turn children into 1D drones- although Lord knows the amount of times my conversations have been disturbed by a noisy iPad in use by an a-social kid at a restaurant. Ps. I know it’s essentially no different to a colouring book, but at least colouring keeps them creative and it’s quiet! Anyway I digress…
The thing that really gets me in a tizz, is that we’re instilling an unhealthy sense of entitlement and materialism in our kin…way before they understand the value of money and hard work.
Yesterday at a family do, I was surrounded by pre-teens. When I absent-mindedly checked my phone, they all gathered around me begging to Youtube the lasted child skit. I said no. And then my nephew, the sweetest two year old who always melts me into a maternal mess, piped up with “Siri” “Siri” “Siri”. I have a Nokia Lumia- no Siri. His face dropped and he looked like he had lost his best friend. I immediately felt a) sad for him (damn kid is so cute) and b) surprised how this imaginary Apple creation, originally made to be your go-to cyber gal, is now finding its way into our children’s core vocabulary and ultimately hearts.
The thing that really gets me in a tizz, is that we’re instilling an unhealthy sense of entitlement and materialism in our kin…way before they understand the value of money and hard work.
OK first of all I get that smart technology has to be embraced- it’s pretty cool and handy. But the sheer extent of its effect on our young saddens me. There was a time where a plastic Fisher Price walkie talkie was enough to mollify kids. Things have stepped up and now a tot won’t settle for anything less than the latest iPhone or Ipad.
I-technology to me is not meant for children. It’s a luxury item that has to be earned and at a valuable cost. Of course when you buy one for your little sprog then you’re blurring the lines between “them” (child) and you (adult). You are sending a subliminal message that they can have all the things that you do… NOW with the added beauty of not working for it. So don’t be surprised if their demands ramp up, (which according to a lot of parents I’ve listened to, do) because now they have a sense of entitlement- without really valuing its worth or ultimately yours.
As a child I was taught if you want something, like a computer or phone, you can work for it and buy it yourself, the way my parents did. I got my first mobile phone at 20, laptop at 25 (bought with my own money) and I don’t have an iPad. That’s pretty late but just because I didn’t buy into it at year dot doesn’t mean I’m a tech dunce. This blog is pure proof. I don’t accept the “but it prepares them for the 21st century” because let’s face it, a mass-market product isn’t going to involve major rocket- science is it?
I got my first mobile phone at 20, laptop at 25 (bought with my own money) and I don’t have an iPad. That’s pretty late but just because I didn’t buy into it at year dot doesn’t mean I’m a tech dunce.
The thing is on one hand we’re worrying about our children growing up too fast (under age sex, thongs for tots, and, Miley Cyrus) but on the other we’re happily buying them adult gadgets for their own private use. Why not spend more time and money making them a decent breakfast in the morning than buying them the latest Apple product? Besides if your “mini me” is too under nourished, then they really won’t be able to get the most out of these cool inventions anyway…Just sayin’
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