Alliance for Childhood

Are we applying enough critical thinking to how technology is playing a role in our children's development and education?

I used to think, It's good that my kids get on the computer. After all, becoming familiar with this technology prepares them for the world ahead, where computers are going to be ubiquitous in every field of study and work. Having computer skills will help them stay ahead and do well in school and beyond. Therefore, I threw educational computer games at my two kids as soon as they could click a mouse. They enjoyed the games and would spend an hour or two a day, or even longer sometimes. It also gave Mom and Dad some freedom to get things accomplished around the house too. I did not even consider that there might be a downside to computer use.

The Alliance for Childhood is working to get parents, educators and policy makers to consider the consequences of unchecked use of computers in our children's lives: repetitive stress injuries, eyestrain, obesity, social isolation, and, for some, long-term damage to physical, emotional, or intellectual development.

On the Alliance's web site, you will find some well-written reports that give concerned parents a lot to contemplate. Not just about computer use, but also about the importance of play, creative activities, forming relationships and not rushing a child's development. A variety of experts in technology, education, mental health and others have contributed to the reports. Aside from the reports written by the Alliance members, you can find a long list of other resources to help you to make intelligent choices for the benefit of your kids.

Now that my kids are a little older, and even more drawn to computers, TV and the Internet, I'm paying a lot more attention and making sure that their screen time is limited and I'm trying to ensure that they spend more time outdoors, reading, and being involved in other activities. But I shouldn't have been so zealous about technology in their earlier years. Thankfully, it's never to late to make a positive change.

Their web site is: www.allianceforchildhood.org.