As We Stop the Spread, What Are We Doing for Children?
As We Stop the Spread, What Are We Doing for Children?

Tech Empowerment vs. Tech Dependency in the Age of COVID-19

Photo from NME

While most of us anxiously await the chance to put 2020 behind us, there is one unhurried soul merrily reveling in the bounty of this year — Baby Shark.

Indeed, just this month, the beloved underwater character and his entire Pinkfong clan claimed the title of “Most Watched YouTube Video of All Time,” soaring well above 7.04 million views.

While this feat may come as a surprise to many, a quick glance into the data will reveal that this isn’t astounding at all, especially considering the video’s appeal to one of the largest demographics in YouTube’s consumer base: children. In fact, in 2019, YouTube was hailed “the most popular babysitter in the world” and a Pew Study found that videos featuring children were viewed three times more than videos in any other category.

One can only imagine how much those statistics have skyrocketed since the onset of the global pandemic, with a 60% increase reported in technology use at-large. Quite frankly, it would be absurd to expect otherwise, as COVID-19 has shaken our world to its core, changed the course of life as we once knew it, without a discernible end in sight.

Our new normal consists of work-from-home culture, virtual learning, masks, and face shields, and at the crux of it all lies our indispensable friend, technology. Once an arbitrary tool, now a permanent fixture, that we simply cannot do without, but as with any tool, mishandling may lead to risks, like obsession and misuse, especially for adolescents.

Photo from iStock Photo

Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate these risks and teach children to actively master technology, rather than passively letting it control them. And with the possibility of another shutdown in our horizon, there has never been a more opportune time for them to learn.

Teach them to Create, Not Just Consume

The most notable innovators in the tech industry have spoken publically about limiting screen time within their home. Apple’s late and great Steve Jobs, Google’s Sandar Pichai, and Snapchat’s Evan Spiegal, among others. They all expressed a need for balance in childrens’ lives to embolden imagination and independent thinking.

While we would be wise to follow their example, considering their expertise in the industry, COVID-19 has completely thrown any semblance of “balance” out the window. Even pediatric experts have urged parents not to obsess over the amount of time children spend utilizing technology. What matters most is how they use that technology. A new era demands new rules and by not only ensuring that kids injest quality content, but inspiring them to build content of their own, we can cultivate a generation of leaders who are ready to rule tomorrow.
['Terranie Clarke']
['Technology', 'Parenting', 'Covid 19', 'Edtech', 'Education']