Negative Effects of Computers on Children
By James Wright
Computer technology has changed the way we deal with the world, from allowing us to communicate more efficiently to giving us easier access to cat videos. Newer generations are growing up with this technology, and while it does have its benefits, primarily in education and access to information, it can also be detrimental to children during a very important time of growth. Too much computer use can affect children's physiological and psychological health as well as social skills.
Obesity & Injury
Using the computer is a very sedentary activity; much like watching television, you don't get very much exercise simply sitting down. Computers add other health problems to the mix, however. Constant use of a keyboard and mouse can cause hand injuries, tendinitis, back problems and carpal tunnel syndrome. At a time when children are growing physically, it's especially important to note the benefits of physical activity.
Academics
Constant computer use can affect a child's attention span and focus. While some computer games have been shown to help a child develop certain cognitive skills, many games and other forms of computer entertainment do nothing to stimulate a child's mind. Constant switching between programs, games or videos makes it more difficult to focus on tasks for longer periods of time, and this can affect a student's studies and grades. In more extreme cases, children with computer addiction will fail their classes completely.
Addiction
Computer addiction is a very real thing, and once it starts, it's very difficult to stop. Addiction can develop when a child has too much unmoderated computer time or otherwise have too much freedom over what he does while using it. This can lead to symptoms of withdrawal whenever a child is away from the computer; he will avoid physical activity and become less social, hoping to spend more time on the computer. Setting a limit of a half hour to an hour of computer time per day is a good way to curb addiction while stressing the importance of other social and physical activities.
Social Skills
Computer use is also a very solitary activity, and it can go hand in hand with addiction. Children who spend more time on the computer than with others their age, or even other people in general, may fail to develop appropriate social skills. Social skills are important not only for communicating with others, but for developing self-esteem and working in social environments, both of which are very important for children growing up. Underdeveloped social skills can result in loneliness and depression which are detrimental to health, relationships and academics.
References
Writer Bio
Based in California, James Wright has been writing since 1998. Wright's articles have been published on various websites with a focus on technical fields such as computers and the Internet, and were also featured in a now-retired publication for an online artistic community. Wright studied English, journalism, politics and psychology at Riverside Community College.