Helping parents cope with this digital generation

Have you noticed how teens these days are so “wired,” connected to earphones, viewing laptops, holding cellphones etc., or toddlers glued to the iPad playing games, or even young babies looking at tablet pictures trying to move the screen with their hands?

With today’s fast-paced technology development, is it any wonder that our kids are so digitalized? But is this technology really a boon or a bane to our society? How can the parents of today deal with this wired generation?

On Feb. 17 2014, the Philippine Pediatric Society tackled this issue by inviting Prof. Queena Lee-Chua, educator, psychology counselor, writer, for a discussion on “Parenting 101: Helping Parents Cope with Children in this High-Tech Digital Age.” Prof. Queena discussed the pros and cons of this digital age in such a straightforward and passionate, yet funny and entertaining manner. She herself admitted being a gamer during her younger years, a Pacman high scorer even, but she did say our generation was not born in a digital age, unlike the kids of today who were born when these gadgets were already out in the market for our use.

Of course, the key to tech use is self-regulation and discipline while using it to one’s advantage. However, young children or even teens, perhaps, still do not have the brain development for maturity and wisdom to discern what is truly good or bad.

The results of early fascination for these gadgets could result in Internet addiction, Facebook envy, Facebook-depression, cyber bullying and even emotional tantrums upon withdrawal from these gadgets. The stories she related were horrifying but real.

The studies she made, along with her colleagues, really showed exclusive school youth respondents admitting 50 percent depression and boredom, so most likely, the stats can even be higher.

What to do then? Responsible parenthood and effective communication between parents and children are the keys to this issue. Babies up to 2 years old should not be entertained with an iPad or cell phone. Young kids’ usage of screen entertainment should be regulated until such time that they reach an age of maturity and self discipline. The PPS is currently preparing guidelines and recommendations on this growing concern.

The morning ended with Professor Queena donating the book “Growing up Wired” to the PPS Library. The PPS national treasurer, Dr. Sally Gatchalian received and thanked Professor Queena in behalf of the PPS.— CARMELA AGUSTIN-KASALA, MD