The Fine Line Between Reality & Virtual Reality

“All of a sudden, we’ve lost a lot of control,’ he said. ‘We can’t turn off our internet; we can’t turn off our smartphones; we can’t turn off our computers. You used to ask a smart person a question. Now, who do you ask? It starts with g-o, and it’s not God…”

― Steve Wozniak

Gone are the days when fun meant the exhilaration of chasing airplanes, being one with the outdoor world and forming healthy social connections. Some parents believe children ought to be old school when it comes to learning about social skills, interacting with the real world. “The screen has taken over our children’s reality!” they exclaim. But can we blame technology entirely? The answer is ‘No’ with a capital N.

Parents who set boundaries when it comes to screen-time, who guide their children through the vastness of the online reality, claim to be able to balance their child’s relationship with all-things-tech. Let’s start by analysing how the ‘Online Era’ influences our little ones.

The traces of ‘Tech Influence’

In today’s time, the most common thing that gets in the way of a parent’s bond with their children is technology. When a parent is occupied during their screen-time, a child also is encouraged to redirect their attention towards technology. Parents are struggling to balance work, personal-life, and their social lives as smartphones and tablets blur the barriers between them. The usage of mobile devices by parents in the presence of young children may be producing internal struggle, conflicts, and bad interactions with their children.

Pay attention, the impacts are here to stay

It takes a lot of discipline and time to rewire your children for a healthier tomorrow. But it’s never too late! Spare some time to engage with them and understand how to manage their transition.

Impacts of too much screen-time

• Lower attention span
• Unfamiliarity with the concept of privacy
• Possible depression
• Increase in rate of obesity
• Discomfort with face-to-face social interactions

Technology is not ‘all bad’

Now let’s talk about the flipside of technology, the good side. There are numerous educational aspects of technology that can aid youngsters in their learning. Technology has also proven to be a great aid when it comes to assisting young children with learning and multitasking. The digital world frequently offers unique perspectives to youngsters, from around the world, and assists them in acing decision-making and problem-solving skills.

It’s all about the BALANCE

Too much of anything is hazardous and that applies to everything we take in, wouldn’t you agree? Monitoring how much time children spend on their phones. Curb their temptation to indulge in too much tech, while at home, by engaging them in fun activities like,

• Cook with them
• Take walk-breaks
• Indulge board games
• Read their favourite books to them
• Organise family movie nights
• Set an example! Reduce your screen-time

Children are naturally curious and appear to want to learn everything they can about the world. It is up to the adults to guide them, and quite frankly, it is easy to bring a beautiful balance! So let’s remember that a curious child with busy parents who can’t streamline them with their screen-time will most likely channel their curiosity to the easily accessible ‘online world’.

Dinner tables can once again be a place for interesting conversations, and backyards and playgrounds will once again be teeming with energetic little ones. Let your children experience what’s on the other side of the screen!