People often bemoan the fact that modern kids spend too much of their time looking at screens. It wasn’t like it was in the old days, we tell ourselves.
And that’s true. But is the internet always bad? Or is it just a matter of how kids are using it?
Researchers are investigating this topic and they’re coming up with some surprising results. As with any relatively new technology, there are costs. But there are also substantial benefits. Check them out below.
Being a child can sometimes feel like a chore. After you get past the age of five or so, your life becomes pretty regimented and it seems you become a member of society 'on probation'. As such, there aren’t too many opportunities for fun - though kids have a knack for finding them.
The internet, however, can be a source of all types of fun. It’s not just entertainment that it offers kids, but also the chance to challenge their intellect and compete with other kids online. Being deadly serious all the time is no way to live your life. But having fun now and then certainly helps bring some balance.
There’s another reason that we should love the internet for kids: it’s great for those with special needs. All sorts of websites and providers have made apps and support software for children with visual and auditory impairments. These accessibility options make it easier for these youngsters to have the same quality of life as other children, when it comes to the internet. It can actually be a great way to get them more engaged in a particular topic or learn a new skill.
Another thing that the internet is making much easier is staying organized. Children these days have lots of homework and busy calendars. It’s actually quite hard for them to fit everything in at night.
But thanks to a plethora of apps, they can better organize their time. What’s more, these apps are in the cloud so they can connect to them on any device they like, be it a school computer or their smartphone.
Staying organized is a good skill for kids to develop for the future. In adult life, they will have to juggle multiple things, including work, relationships, clubs, friends, and projects. Having the ability to allocate time effectively is a great way to just get stuff done.
Of course, no post about the benefits that the internet brings children should fail to mention learning. For many, learning on the internet is actually superior to learning in the classroom. Kids can log onto many sites, including Khan Academy, and get world-class tutoring on practically any subject they might be studying.
What’s great about this approach to learning is that it is personalized and based on the concept of mastery. Mastery is where a child can take the concepts that they learn and apply them in any situation they want. Learning becomes less of a chore and more of a tool. And the learning curve always stays exactly where the child needs it. For many kids, sitting in front of the computer to learn something is actually more effective than in -person tutoring or classroom study.
Not only does online learning supplement kids’ regular curriculum, but it also helps them to get ahead. They can take an online course and charge in front of their classmates. Often, the way that internet educators present ideas is so engaging that kids can’t help but carry on learning, out of sheer interest.
What’s cool about internet learning as well is that kids can learn topics that supplement the regular curriculum. So, for instance, if they have an interest in topics not taught in school, like computer science or philosophy, they can get it online. This type of education could potentially give them a more rounded view of the world and help them get into their preferred careers.
Remember, when kids learn a skill early in life, they tend to carry with them a natural advantage over people who come to a particular topic later on. Kids who learn the piano at age five, for instance, tend to do better than those who begin at age 55, no matter how hard they practice.
The internet is also going to be a part of the future for most kids. So becoming comfortable with it now is vital. Kids need to learn how to use the internet, which sources are valid, and the fundamental opportunities that it offers. These children will become much more valuable to employers because they will have the skills that they are looking for. Kids who are deprived of the internet today run the risk of being left behind by their peers. It may actually hamper their life chances in the long term.
Being a kid isn’t easy. The human body is the most sophisticated piece of equipment on this planet, but nobody has a user’s manual. Figuring out how to navigate life, therefore, can be extremely challenging.
The internet, though, offers an olive branch of support for any kids who find themselves struggling. There are all kinds of places where they can get help with their mental health or just go for a chat with somebody safe.
There are also a lot of teen forums out there which are well-moderated and allow youngsters to talk to people going through similar life situations and issues as them. It's important for parents to stay engaged through the process to help verify the places their kids are going on the internet are truly providing the support needed.
There’s another big benefit that the internet brings kids too: the ability for them to explore their creativity. Whether it is music, writing or art, the web provides a wealth of resources for them to use - most of which are free.
If they get into something data-heavy, then you may need to invest in tablet SIM only deals with bigger data allowance. This way, they’ll always have the space they need to download or upload videos.
Today, there are even places where kids can sell their creative work and get royalties in return. For example, there are sites that will pay you each time that somebody purchases a product with your chosen design on it. There are also sites that will allow you to sell things you’ve written, like short stories.
While meeting people in real life is arguably better, the internet is also a place where kids can make new friends. It’s easy to connect with a penpal who lives on the other side of the planet when you have access to a laptop.
Social media isn’t always positive for kids. But socializing in the right places can be. For instance, some children have found reaching out to people over YouTube a rewarding experience. For example, some stars have found value in sharing their struggles with anxiety, gathering millions of likes and followers.
Making new relationships online could also make kids more confident about doing the same offline. Quiet kids get to build connections while also maintaining a safe distance from the person they’re talking to. This allows them to open up a little and be more communicative and imaginative in their conversation. Again it's important for parents to stay engaged and help them find the right places for healthy friendships.
Parents also love the internet because it makes it so easy to stay in touch with their kids. All you have to do is fire up your email account or open a text app and you can quickly give them an update.
But it is also good for staying in touch with people who are a little further away. For example, your child might have a cousin who lives on the other side of the world. The internet allows them to connect whenever they want.
Many parents have the idea that the internet is something that harms kids. But there is a lot of evidence that there are actually substantial benefits.
The main problem appears to be the amount of “screen time” that kids are getting. Sitting down all day in front of a computer denies them the opportunity to explore the outdoors and enjoy themselves. It’s not the internet itself that is causing problems.
The internet is also something quite different from social media. While social media uses the internet as a fundamental platform, the web is actually a lot bigger than just Facebook or Twitter.
Of course, there are real risks for kids using the internet. And that’s what probably makes most parents so skeptical of it. There are many opportunities for abuse. But these can be easily-avoided with a little coaching and engagement in the process.
Ultimately, the internet is something that kids are going to have to use in the future regardless of what they do. The future of work looks like it is going to be highly digitized indeed. So a solid understanding of the internet and the opportunities that it offers is essential.
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