In today's post I share the interview they have done to me in the newspaper El Periódic d’Acanorra. From here I want to thank the newspaper and the journalist Alba Cadellas.
You can read the original interview in Catalan here: Communication, patience and supervision are key to the use of technology to be positive. And below I leave you the Spanish translation:
Cristina Carbonell is a teacher specialized in educational technology. On May 29, a conference for families of children from zero to 12 years at the Canillo Auditori. We talk to her to know what are the challenges and opportunities that new technologies give us.
What are the main advantages of the integration of technology in the education of children?
Like everything, technology involves challenges and opportunities. The main advantages of the integration of technology in the education of children are multiple: it facilitates access to varied and interactive educational resources, it encourages curiosity, creativity, problem solving and Critical thinking. Helps them develop digital skills basic that will be essential in the future. In addition, you can adapt to individual needs of each child, allowing a more personalized learning.
As an expert in educational technology, what do you think are the main risks associated with the use of technology by children?
One of the risks is exposure to Inappropriate contents, such as violence or pornography, as well as cyberbullying, grooming or loss of privacy, for example. However, it is important to emphasize that The fact that there are risks does not mean that all children are in danger. This is where the role of adults enters, which we must Accompany, supervise and educate so that our children learn to do a Conscious, safe and responsible use of technology.
There is also the challenge of excess of time that some children pass before the screen, which can lead to sleep problems, visual fatigue, decreased physical activity and concentration ability. That's why, It is necessary that the screens do not remove time to essential activities How to play outdoors, socialize, move, read or get bored, which is also necessary! Finding this balance is essential for the optimal development of children.
In the case of games, we are seeing more and more a disappearance of the traditional toy to move on to a technological one. What are the dangers of this fact?
The game allows children to explore their environment and learn how the world works, developing basic skills such as fine and thick motor skills, imagination and relationship with others. That is why the game time is so important. This is essential especially in the early ages, where it is recommended that Toys are as simple as possible, without sounds or lights. The less the toy does, the more the child's imagination does.
As for technological toys, although they can be educational, they often promote more behavior sedentary. In addition, technological games can expose children to inappropriate content if they are not properly selected and supervised. It is important that parents Select contents and games adapted to his age and that They balance The use of technological toys with traditional toys.
What is the recommended exposure time for each age group?
For children under 2 years, it is recommended Avoid the use of screens, except for video calls with relatives. For children from 2 to 5 years, a 1 hour maximum A day of quality content. From 6 years up, the exposure time does not I should exceed two daily hours.
Beyond the recommended exposure time, There are times when it is not advisable to give a child a screen, such as before bedtime, when they get bored or to avoid tantrum, because this can interfere with their ability to Learn to manage emotions in a healthy way.
Why do children like screens so much and why they find it hard to leave them when they are using them?
The screens are designed to be attractive and stimulating. Games and applications often offer immediate rewards, which activates the brain reward system and makes it difficult to leave them. The bright colors, the sounds, the constant novelty of the contents and the feeling of immediate success are factors that make children want to continue using their screens.
Adults also happen! Who has not entered Instagram or any social network with the intention of taking a simple look and has been hooked for a good time because of the scroll infinite? If we who are adults and we have the brain fully developed and it is difficult for us to put aside the screens, in the case of children and adolescents whose brain is still Immaturely cost them much more.
How to get a healthy balance between the use of screens and other activities?
To get a healthy balance it is important Establish clear and agreed rules on the use of screens. For example, we can previously agree on the contents, devices and time limit. We can let these rules in a visible place of home so that we all keep in mind.
Communication, patience and supervision are key to contributing to the use of technology and Do not interfere with other important aspects of child development.
It may be useful to establish Moments free of screens, as during family meals and an hour before bedtime, to promote family interactions and improve sleep quality. We will also have to encourage alternative activities to the digital field. Promoting family activities, outdoor times and physical games are effective strategies.
Let's not forget that Children learn by imitation, so it is important that parents Let's show example With a responsible use of technology, showing how you can enjoy screens and establish healthy habits for the use of technology.
Our children must learn to live with and without technology, we cannot turn our backs on reality. Of course, our accompaniment, the progressive autonomy and the Establishment of standards to make proper and conscious use of it.
That is why it is important that mothers, fathers and teachers are in the case of both the advantages offered by technology and the challenges, to make decisions with criteria and establish the necessary measures.
What is evident in the age strip of zero to 12 years is that it is necessary to control what children do with technology. What advice would families give to ensure that their children use technology safely and adequately?
Establishing standards and limits is basic. In addition, it is necessary select adequate content and supervise its use. It is positive to involve us in their digital activities and interest us for what they see and like. In this way, we can convert screen time into a family time instead of only individual activity.
They also exist parental control tools to limit access to inappropriate content and manage the time of use of the screens. However, my recommendation is not to delegate all responsibility in these tools, but dedicate our energy and effort to dialogue, trust and establishment and monitoring of standards. Educate, ultimately.
How can parents educate in the good example?
Parents can educate in the good example starting with be aware of our own use of technology, as well as limiting the use of screens in front of the children, establishing time and spaces without technology, and avoiding in the network information and photos of our children without their consent (sharenting).
In the same way, it is crucial to avoid the phubbingthat is, ignore the children for being aware of the mobile. In addition, we can promote a family culture of communication and respect, in which personal interactions are valued more than digital.
Use tools such as application Digital well -being To monitor and manage screen time it can also be useful to set a good example to our children.
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