My son, aka The Boss, has recently morphed into a technology wizard. The advances I’ve witnessed in him lately make me both proud and frightened.
First of all, I’m amazed that he has mastered the TV remote control. He knows how to view the information on the digital programming to see what shows will be airing later on in the day.
He can also change the channel to watch his cartoons on demand. By following the prompts, his little fingers work that changer and magically his show appears.
Did I mention he just turned 5?
I’m also stunned that he has learned how to turn my computer on, get into Internet Explorer and find his way to Nick Jr. so he can play video games. Watching his little fingers click on that mouse is simply astounding.
Once he’s bored of video games, he’ll move over to YouTube to watch the Wiggles online. When he’s tired of singing along with Greg first in English and then in Spanish, he’ll cross over to Starfall, a free educational website also used in his kindergarten class.
Did I mention that my husband is computer illiterate? My 5-year-old had to show him how to close a program. “See dad? All you have to do is click on the X.”
Oh the shame.
When did these kids become so technologically advanced? My kids are more tech savvy than me!
Call me a proud mama but I’m also wondering if I should be scared. How quickly the kids these days learn about technology. Kids mastering the use of a cell phone, laptop, the internet, video game or other tech gadget, and perhaps simultaneously, is the way of the times, right?
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A recent Telus commissioned Ipsos Reid Survey showed that of 4,500 people Telus surveyed, 75% of Canadian children in young families who use the Internet are proficient on it by age seven.
Ok, so my son is on the right track. He’s five and has already discovered some amazing tools on the internet with little assistance.
The poll also showed that 69% of Canadian parents think it’s important for children to be technology-savvy at an early age.
By being exposed to the latest in technology, kids are exposed to an abundance of information. But is it good for them?
I was always under the impression that too much leads to less time socializing with family and friends. Kids would rather be home in from of the computer or televisions rather than playing outside or reading books.
But it’s a bit of a relief to know that there are some great benefits from being a tech wizard too.
Kathy Buckworth, author and SuperMom says, “Both teenagers and Moms have these things called “attitude” and “tone”. By the magic of texting, these can be eliminated. And, I’ve had conversations with my teens on their cell phones that we probably wouldn’t have had in person – without a door being slammed at any rate.”
We all know that technology has had a huge impact on our lives. With 83 per cent of respondents who strongly agree that technology helps keep their family organized, they also say that the Internet has improved their connection with family and friends.
“Canadian families have moved from being groups to being social networks,” said Dr. Barry Wellman, the S.D. Clark Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto. “Each family member goes about their separate agendas, but links up at night and by new media throughout the day. Their lives have expanded beyond their homes and neighbourhoods, and at the same time, we’re communicating more than ever.”
As with anything else, there needs to be a balance. And as a parent, it’s my responsibility to help my kids achieve that balance. Too much of a good thing is… well, depends who you ask!
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