Excessive use of IT applications.
Films in early 1900’s, radio in 1920’s, transistors in 1930’s, televisions in 1940’s and computers in 1960’s – gradually with time, human race has become more wired and weird. Among all, computer technology has ushered in a new era of communications bringing it both great promises and concerns about it’s effects.
Each innovation has brought with itself issue of access and amount of time children spending with the new medium. Internet itself has become a home made 24×7 library for anything to everything. Right from e-book to documentary, from a journal to a TV serial, from history to geography, from ordering a pizza to recharging mobile phone, all need an uninterrupted internet connectivity. Prime minister of the country, capital of any state or country, difference between hill and mountain, all question are asked from one source – Google. Any confusion, any doubt, any information required, we just ‘Google’ it.
Children due to immaturity, curiosity and other manifold reasons tend to get derailed and use technology in such a way that it becomes a medium of pleasure instead of a source of enlightenment.
There is not end of the effects of the television and latest gadgets. Children are so deeply indulged in this virtual world that the real world becomes alienating for them. Video games, unnecessary use of youtube, what’s app, facebook etc. Has become entire world for children resulting the loss of their interest in studies.
This has also driven children towards some malpractices like hacking any ID and misusing IT application by spreading MMS or any obscene content. So big question here arises – How does it happen?
I personally feel that media is first one to blame who promotes latest gadgets in an appealing way that these are necessities of life. Parents, children’s peer group and nuclear families are also responsible for children getting engulfed by IT gadgets.
Children spend more time under parent’s supervision than in school. It’s difficult for school teacher to observe extra academics activities of the children. So parents should check children’s social networking. Do not hand over expensive gadgets to children just for sake that same gadget is carried by their peer group. Monitor child’s activities and make him to rely on traditional methods as well instead of searching everything on google only.
Schools should introduce vocational courses 8th standard onwards. This will help children to take interest in studies and will keep them on track of success and obeidience. I would like to conclude that a child educated only at school is a uneducated child unless educated by parents and society. Let us all pledge for this for sincere and wise generations ahead.