Two
things that cause addiction, and one that will hopefully steer a child in a
good direction. What?
On the
news recently, the hours that children and adults spend on electronic media
really surprised me. Like chocolate and heroin, electronic media has become
such a strong addiction that it often replaces meals and sleep. Children 8-10
are spending an average of 8 hours a day while teens and adults average 10
hours a day. I say this as I sit at my computer with most functions open and my
tv blaring the background noise that I need in order to work. I know…weird, but
I’ve always needed noise to be productive. Sigh.
So
what happened to hours outside exploring caterpillars, spider webs covered in
mist, and a pick up baseball game or two? Have they been replaced with the
latest addiction? First tv took all the blame, and now it seems that social
media in one form or another has replaced the boob tube.
Like
any other addiction, in time, it can lead to more serious things. Is there a
way for us to “model” behavior that will steer children (and adults) toward
print books, games outside, and fun without a phone or tablet.
Kids’
programs and contests? The prize is often a tablet. How about books. Real…in
your face books for a change.
Most
of us laugh at the life the Cleavers and Andersons lived, but I have to be
honest, I miss the dinners around the table with kids staring at the turkey,
potatoes, and apple pie hoping they get their share. I suppose I am the last
generation that actually understands that concept on a daily basis. I know when
my kids were growing up, theatre, soccer, and various other school activities
put a halt on every night dinners. But we still managed a few throughout the
week.
As rehab
centers for social media sprout up like weeds in the yard, I have to wonder
where childhood has gone? The theatre rehearsals and soccer nights that I once
bemoaned at least offered physical activity. What next? Are we so close to the
sci-fi predictions of the fifties and sixties that soon we’ll simply sit the
entire day and interact with our computers?
Chocolate…addictive.
Oh yeah. Just ask any woman. Heroin? Okay, I don’t know anyone addicted to
heroin, but I assume it’s pretty bad. A print book…if only.
Have we
gone too far to ever return to caterpillars and spider webs?
And
what does that mean for the future?
1 comment:
When I recently went to PA for a visit, my two grandkids came as well. They had never caught fireflies or enjoyed a bonfire. After two days of playing outside all day, they stopped asking for the ipad or TV. It was exciting to watch their imaginations explode with ideas.
I think it's easy for parents today to hand their child an electronic device as a babysitter instead of spending the quality time needed with them. I do worry. I worry and pray about our future children.
Post a Comment