Is the technology era ruining childhood?

Day 62

The sport of cricket is treated as a religion in India. In my growing years you would see a ground flooded with children playing their games of cricket. In the 80’s era sports has been the great aspect for child development. The teenagers from this era would look for every opportunity to run into the grounds to play cricket, soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc. In the 80’s era for kids technology like video games were just evolving in the culture. The prime outlet from studying for kids was playing sports outside and this incorporated a great form of daily exercise. The constant interaction with other kids helped in the development of friendship bonds, and better understanding of social culture. Recently I saw my cousin, 11 years of age refusing to play outside and playing his game on PlayStation. As matter of fact this is the story of many kids of this era, they prefer to sit home and play games on their interactive technology games.

So here is my question: Is the technology era ruining childhood?

What is the scope of physical development when a young adult is using technology to play sports? With children opting out of games, what are the other forms of exercise available for them? With virtual interaction on multiplayer games, what are the options of social development? Do you think kids become more prone to climate changing allergies because of the limited outside environment interactions? 

Now let us focus on technology and academic scoop. In an article in Chicago Tribune, children are taught the art of typing or keyboarding as young as 2^nd grade. Some state schools recommends students to present their assignments typed in elementary school, while some state schools waits until the child has reached high school. Typing a document presents the option of auto spell checker for the students? With Auto checker options what happens to the foundation of spelling and sentence structure formation for the young children? 

Now lets us focus on technology and communication. With the smart phone and cell phone era, texting or instant messaging is the accepted form of communication. Does this form of communication create laziness in the children? Does an ignored text or unanswered text initiate a level of anxiety, rejection or depression for the children? 

Now let us focus on technology and personal. Social networking website is the new form of social interaction and communication. Change in the relationship status is one of the most commonly shared scoops or gossips. Unfortunately by updating the relationship status about the new soul mates or breakups, the child is publicly broadcasting about their personal details eliminating the factor of privacy or personal. 

“Strong foundation oaths the first step to achievement before building advancements”

~Lenji Jacob

References

1. Picture 1: https://www.lords.org/data/images/originals/winner-sl-shanth-kumar-big-42157.jpg
2. Picture 2: http://api.ning.com/files/*L0h2F9d*Bn-KFy*FBQFaF3IaFt7Xm6wUGOTit6RWGgUJv9EShMheUN9DoetVCYYFgliL6zYTfKC7V-WwjnxY6VIwc-8g5uE/childcomputer.jpg
3. Steele, J. (1999, November 14). Teachers Tapping Into Debate As Typing Lessons Start Early - Chicago Tribune. Featured Articles From The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 2, 2012, from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-11-14/news/9911140088_1_typing-keyboarding-elementary-school-teachers