| It seems like every generation has something | | | | and the length of time the children are viewing |
| that could affect the well-being of children. Back in | | | | television. |
| the 50's, Elvis was viewed as a horrible influence | | | | Internet: The internet can be a very scary place. |
| on the youth, then came the Beatles, short skirts, | | | | A big hit with kids these days is MySpace, which |
| the Simpsons and so on. Most fads either | | | | is a site where anyone can put up their own |
| eventually become an acceptable part of our | | | | picture and have their own mini-website to talk |
| society or they fade away. But, what about this | | | | with other people on MySpace. It is an excellent |
| new technology that is at the fingertips of our | | | | way of keeping in touch with friends, but kids |
| youth? Is it something we need to worry about | | | | need to be careful of sexual predators. In July of |
| or embrace? | | | | 2007, MySpace administrators found and deleted |
| There are many pros and cons of children having | | | | 29,000 accounts on MySpace that belonged to |
| cell phones, video games, television, iPods, the | | | | convicted sex offenders. But, being a nineteen |
| internet and so on. After doing some research, I | | | | year old who has had a MySpace for years, I |
| have found many suggestions to modern | | | | know that it's very easy to avoid these people. |
| technology. | | | | Talk to your kids and warn them of this. Make |
| Video Games: Video games have been proven to | | | | sure they only accept friends on there that they |
| improve hand-eye-coordination. Yet, video games | | | | knew previously and to never meet someone in |
| alter kids' perception of reality. Children live | | | | person no matter how nice they seem. The |
| vicariously through video games rather than going | | | | internet also decreases social activity, since they |
| out and learning to do what they are playing on | | | | are not looking directly at the person they are |
| their system. Therefore, monitor the playing time | | | | talking to nor having to actually participate in an |
| and the games they are allowed to play. If they | | | | on-going conversation. Make sure you limit the |
| are playing a game (for example) like | | | | time your kids can spend on the computer. |
| skateboarding, encourage them to explore the | | | | Cell Phones: Cell phones are perfect for |
| actual sport thereby getting them away from the | | | | emergencies and a great way to stay in contact. |
| television while combining the enjoyment they | | | | There are not too many downfalls to a cell phone |
| clearly hold for that game. | | | | except for the obvious of talking while driving. |
| Television: When watching fast paced television, it | | | | Each parent should decide based upon their |
| decreases the reptilian system (the part of the | | | | personal situation and maturity of their children |
| brain that provides instincts such as fight or flight | | | | when a cell phone would be appropriate. |
| and basic emotions.) Also, it prevents children | | | | Overall, modern technology certainly makes life |
| from creating their own pictures in their head like | | | | easier and provides readily available entertainment. |
| they would when reading a book. This decreases | | | | However, at all times, it should be monitored and |
| their ability to create their own symbiotic thought. | | | | at no time be allowed to consume the entire free |
| To prevent this, ask your child about what they | | | | time of children. Children still need to socialize |
| are watching, this forces them to recreate the | | | | face-to-face without the use of an electronic |
| image in their own head and strengthens their | | | | device. |
| symbiotic thoughts. Monitor the types of shows | | | | |