Despite the ways technology has improved our lives, it has made us its slaves. It has influenced our cultural landscape. A digital quick-fix is what we need at all times. Internet technology has become an integral part of our lives. Proliferation of tech gadgets is a cherry on top. Between gaming consoles, tablets, cell phones and other gizmos that a teen can’t keep his hands off, it’s no wonder that parents often question the effects of gadgets on a teen’s behavior.
A study reveals that excessive use of internet can cause some parts of a teenager’s brain to waste away. Scientists believe that technology overuse can affect a teen’s memory and concentration, as well as their decision-making abilities. Kids are hooked to their gadgets day and night and their work, play, and goals all rely on broadband connection.
Too much screen time is changing kids’ behavior
Adolescence is a rebellious age. Teens prefer their own privacy and independence. Parents of teens have first-hand experiences of falling grades, slammed doors, substance overuse, etc. Try to limit the screen time of your teen and then see their tantrums. Tech addiction has isolated the teens into their own technology cocoons.
A digital divide can clearly be seen at home. Once exposed to technology, teens would not hesitate to use these tech devices even on dinner table when whole family is together. Chances are that they’ll pay attention to their phone which frequently vibrates to update notifications. The lack of communication between a parent and a child leads to generation gap. Kids create glass walls around them so that they can choose whom to communicate. Often, the arguments between parents and teens over the use of technology end bitterly.
As more technology is being piped into tech gizmos every day, solitary pursuits of kids tend to grow. Adolescents can have an increased rate of contact with their peers which often results in negatively affecting their behavior.
Rebellious teens and technology
In the current techno-digital era, parenting has become quite a nuanced and daunting task. You don’t know what your child is doing on the tech device he owns. It is unrealistic yet unkind to forbid the teens’ use of electronic devices. Here are some bad behaviors that are likely to be adopted by your teens due to tech addiction.
It is quite ironic that with the explosion of communication platforms like WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, teens have become less communicative in real world. Many times, your teen is testing your limits. What you need to do as a parent is to keep setting them. If your teen has an aggressive behavior, it might reach into the cyber world, making him a cyberbully. Most of the times, kids who themselves have been a victim to bullying unleash their frustration by bullying others. In trying to become cool among their peers, many teens indulge in cyberbullying. If not stopped on time, such a behavior can lead to criminal activities.
- Developing stereotypes
Glamorization of the social media has induced negative behavior in teens. Videos and posts on social media often shape the likes and dislikes of your child. Experts in child development believe that media impacts a child’s psychology, his beliefs, and the way he acts. Violence, aggression, sex, drug use, etc. are the activities a child can adopt from spending time online. These behaviors are considered normal on internet while in real life they are indeed very risky. Growing up, your teen can be affected by racial or sexual stereotypes which will cause him to humiliate others of a different sex or race.
- Abusive language
You cannot ignore the fact that internet has its own language. Some of the words are harsh and must not be used when communicating with others. Teens these days use the words like ‘fuck’ or ‘dick’ when they communicate. As they are exposed to everything online, they can write insulting remarks to their friends or strangers online. Internet abuse cases have been reported to police as well. Many parents are concerned over their teens’ usage of such words. The use of such words is common in daily life and is also used by kids in a light banter with friends or family, which is highly inappropriate.
- Sexualizing romance
Since it is easy to communicate with anyone they want to, teens have sexualized the tech gadgets. Onset of puberty is a challenge for parents as teens tend towards lustful activities. Sexting and exchanging nudes increase agitation and restlessness in them. Moreover, break-ups on social media lower their self-esteem and confidence and develops lack of trust in them. They might go into depression as a result of a break-up of infidelity of their partner.