Generation Z is the first group to grow up with access to advanced personal technology. From iPods to tablets to smartwatches to cellphones, we have always had something to stimulate our minds. But when technology is out of reach and we are left with only our thoughts, we might ask ourselves if it was worth spending so much of our childhoods online.
The term “iPad kid” surfaced in the early 2010s and is used to describe children with excessive screen time. “iPad kids” are known to be glued to technology, requiring constant stimulation and displaying distress when their device is taken away.
The “iPad kid” meme has swept the internet with many people rightfully criticizing these kids’ behaviors. It has become an internet movement to criticize the stereotypical “iPad kid.” We should not let our brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and sons and daughters be allowed continuous internet access.
A 2016 Common Sense Study found that “over two-thirds of 11- to 17-year-olds said they ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ find it difficult to stop using technology…and miss sleep due to being on their phone or online late at night,” with these numbers steadily rising through the years.
It is imperative that we limit this addiction. If we were talking about drugs, the problem would be addressed head on by parents and the government. But when we talk about the addictive qualities of technology, people are more likely to shrug it off despite children being more vulnerable to addiction.
According to research done by UK communication oversight organization Ofcom, 10% of children ages 8-11 have reported seeing “nasty” or “worrying” content online. Additionally, they found “around one in 12 of all 12-15 [year olds] (8%) say they have been contacted online by someone they don’t know, and 4% say they have seen something of a sexual nature in the past year.”
Overexposure to online content is a grave concern amongst parents and children alike. And while apps are creating kid-friendly filters to help limit this access, children continue to receive unwanted contact on various platforms.
High screen times are correlated with poor physical health and obesity, along with less physical activity. Whether it is missing an opportunity to go for a walk or play games outside with friends, children’s devices are keeping them chained indoors. Can’t we just let children be children?
Our childhoods aren’t memorable because of the apps we had on our iPads or the YouTube videos we watched; they are memorable because of the experiences we had.
Let kids enjoy life for what it is. Let them go outside when it’s nice out, read books, play board games and laugh.
When we are older and start deciding what is best for our children, will it be distractions or experiences? iPads or books? Scrolling or playing?
Let’s reintroduce children to what it actually means to be a child. Let’s allow them to scrape their knees and fall asleep with a book in their hands. Technology is not the end of the world, but it could be if we are not careful. It is essential that we create a better environment for future generations to grow up with.
